A declaration of nullity, often informally termed an annulment, is a judgment by a Catholic Church tribunal stating that what appeared to be a valid marriage was, in fact, invalid from its beginning. This process examines whether essential elements required for a sacramental marriage were present at the time of the wedding vows. A denial occurs when the evidence presented fails to demonstrate that a fundamental impediment existed at the time of the marriage, preventing its valid formation according to Church law.
The significance of a declaration of nullity lies in its impact on the individuals involved and their standing within the Catholic Church. It allows individuals to enter a valid sacramental marriage in the future, understanding that the prior union lacked the necessary components for validity. Historically, the Church has maintained rigorous standards for marriage, and the process of seeking a declaration of nullity reflects this commitment to the sanctity and permanence of marriage as it understands it.