Catholic Annulment: 21 Recognized Grounds

Based on the 1983 Code of Canon Law and official Catholic sources

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Important Note: In the U.S., Civil Divorce Usually Comes First

In the United States, a Catholic annulment process usually does not replace a civil divorce. In most dioceses, the civil divorce must be final before the Church tribunal will complete—or sometimes even begin—the annulment case. Why? Because a Catholic declaration of nullity is a Church decision about whether a valid sacramental marriage existed. It does not settle civil issues such as property division, custody, child support, spousal support, or legal marital status. Those are handled by the civil courts. So if you are legally married in the United States, you generally need to complete the civil divorce process first.

I. Diriment Impediments

(This type focuses on legal barriers that make a marriage invalid from the start)

1. Age – One or both were below canonical minimum. (One of you was young to marry)

https://catholicqa.org/what-are-the-causes-of-annulment-of-a-marriage/

2. Impotence – Inability to consummate marriage. (Physical incapacity for marital act)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

3. Existing prior marriage (Ligamen) – A previous valid bond still existed. (Already married to someone else)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

4. Disparity of cult – One party unbaptized without dispensation. (You have a mixed faith marriage without permission)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

5. Holy Orders – One spouse had received sacred orders. (One of you is an ordained priest or deacon)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

6. Perpetual public vow of chastity – A religious vow not dispensed. (Bound by celibacy vow)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

7. Abduction (Raptus) – Marriage forced through abduction or confinement. (Marriage by kidnapping or coercion)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

8. Consanguinity – Close blood relationship within prohibited degrees. (Too closely related by blood)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

9. Affinity or Public Propriety – Relationships by marriage or adoption. (Related through prior marriage or adoption)

https://catholicqa.org/what-are-the-causes-of-annulment-of-a-marriage/

10. Adoption (juridical kinship) – Legal relationship barring marriage. (Adoptive parent-child bond)

https://catholicqa.org/what-are-the-causes-of-annulment-of-a-marriage/

II. Defects of Consent

11. Lack of sufficient use of reason – Mental incapacity or severe disorder. (One spouse was unable to make rational decision)

https://legalclarity.org/what-is-a-catholic-annulment-and-how-does-it-work/

12. Grave lack of discretion of judgment – Inability to understand marital duties. (One or both spouses didn’t grasp what marriage requires)

https://catholicqa.org/what-are-the-causes-of-annulment-of-a-marriage/

13. Ignorance of marriage’s essential nature – Not knowing what marriage truly is. (One or both spouses didn’t know marriage is lifelong or faithful)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

14. Error about the person or an essential quality – Mistaken identity or deception. (One spouse married wrong person or was deceived)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

15. Fraud or deceit – Deliberate concealment affecting consent. (Lied about major issue like fertility or past)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

16. Simulation of consent – Going through the motions without true intent. (Never intended real marriage)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

17. Conditional consent – Consent dependent on future events. (Agreed only if something specific happens)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

18. Force or grave fear – Consent given under coercion or threat. (Married out of fear or pressure)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_nullity

19. Exclusion of an essential property – One party rejected fidelity, permanence, or openness to children. (Secretly refused part of marriage vow)

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment

20. Absence of one party or lack of authority – Consent not personally or validly given. (Invalid proxy or no consent)

https://catholicqa.org/what-are-the-causes-of-annulment-of-a-marriage/

III. Defects of Canonical Form

21. Lack of canonical form – Marriage not before a Catholic minister and two witnesses, or dispensation invalid. (Marriage outside Church form)

https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-are-the-grounds-for-an-annulment

Canonical Basis

1983 Code of Canon Law, Canons 1073–1107
Official explanation: https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/annulment
List Generated on October 8, 2025

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For links to a chart of official divorce or annulment policies of 40 other Christian churches and denominations, go to https://lifesavingdivorce.com/church-divorce-policies-abuse-comparison-chart/. See also: the biblical basis for divorce for adultery, abuse, and abandonment. If you are in danger, please prioritize safety and speak with qualified local professionals, including an attorney, domestic violence advocate, or appropriate church official.

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