Canon Law Divorce and Annulment of the Roman Catholic Church at the Parish Level

Abstract

This article is concerned with practical problems in the operation and administration of the canon law of divorce and annulment of the Roman Catholic church at the parish level. The author has conducted personal interviews, primarily with parish priests, in order to determine the nature and extent of the role played by the parish priest in an action for an annulment or divorce. A major problem is the lack of legal grounds for consensual divorce. However, much can still be done depending upon the priests attitude, expertise and other factors that may influence the success or failure of the action.