Time and Cost

The Tribunal can never guarantee beforehand a favorable decision in a case of nullity, since the decision must rest on the facts which surface during the investigation. Therefore, plans for a future church wedding cannot be made until a case has been given a final affirmative decision and the parties declared free to marry. The average time for the conclusion of a nullity varies; and some factors are beyond the control of the Tribunal. The Petitioner and Respondent change in address or telephone number and should show restraint in telephoning to check on the progress of the case, since this takes away from the time devoted to actual case processing.  

The Tribunal also asks that the Petitioner pay in part the cost of the investigation. A large portion of the Tribunal’s expenses is borne by the Catholics of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The Petitioner is expected to pay the remaining cost. For a full Court procedure, the Petitioner is asked to pay $350 with a $100 deposit and the balance due before the case is presented to the First Instance judges. Should a psychological evaluation be required for a case’s completion, the Petitioner is asked to pay a portion of the cost. However, we will not impose any financial hardship on anyone. If a Petitioner cannot pay the full amount, please let us know. No case will be turned down due to a Petitioner’s inability to pay the fee! The case will be heard just like any other, and in the same amount of time. Money will never influence the work of justice.