A parish priest or deacon will
assist a Petitioner in the completion of the preliminary questionnaire, the
formulation of a petition (a short history of the courtship, marriage, and
separation) and the narrative essay (a separate two or three page essay which
provides a rationale for the annulment based on the family life of the parties,
the courtship/engagement, and the factors which led to the decision to marry).
The above items and all pertinent documents (baptismal certificates for
Catholic parties, marriage certificate, and the final divorce decree) are sent
to the Tribunal.
The petition essay ought to follow
the format provided in the application, and list the names and addresses of
three witnesses. The witnesses are three people, who knew the parties during
the courtship, engagement and early marriage. They are knowledgeable and
cooperative family, friends, or co-workers, who are able to provide their
independent view of the couple and the decision to marry. After the completed
application with the documents and two essays are sent to the Tribunal for
review, the Petitioner will be contacted to set a date for the initial interview
in the Tribunal.
At the time of the interview, the Petitioner
will be asked to sign and date all forms acknowledging the grounds of the
investigation and appointing a priest or deacon as an Advocate. The Advocate
will be able to assist the Petitioner throughout the process and he will be
able to review all the evidence. The former spouse will be apprised of his or
her right to give testimony, name witnesses, and also have an Advocate. The
same rights that are afforded to the Petitioner are afforded to the Respondent.