You are to be commended for taking this first step in clarifying your marital status in the Catholic Church. We hope that this process will be a time of healing and spiritual growth. The Church believes that marriage is indissoluble, and that it affects the family, society and the Church. The law of the Church states (Canon 1055): “The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.” This teaching forms the basis of the Tribunal’s investigation.

Regrettably, divorce is a reality of our times. Divorce is always difficult, both for the parties and for any children involved, and it can affect a person’s standing regarding the sacramental life of the Church. Catholics and non-Catholics alike have the right to ask the officials of the Church to investigate the possibility of the nullity of their marriage.

Please download the Marriage Nullity Application Form. Detailed information is included in the application form. Please check also the article and FAQ section on the right.

Advocates for the Parties in the Trial

Please ask one of the Priests or Deacons of the Diocese of Bridgeport to be your Advocate in the trial and to help you with preparing the case for the Tribunal. We highly recommend these Priests and Deacons who already attended special training classes.

Tribunal's New Competency

As of February 1, 2016, the Tribunal of the Diocese of Bridgeport was given faculties for granting dispensations and to process marriage files that need to be sent to other dioceses. Current dispensation forms are still valid.

In case of emergency, if you cannot reach Rev. Arthur Mollenhauer, Judicial Vicar, please contact Fr. Michael Novajosky, Adjutant Judicial Vicar, for required dispensations.

As always, please plan well in advance and submit your dispensation requests early. Thank you.