[kathystowell]

Deacon Bob,

My fiance and I are both Catholic. My first husband is deceased -- although we were legally separated when he passed. I assume I'm free to have a Catholic ceremony if I so choose? My real question, however, is regarding my fiance. He was married in his early 20's in a Catholic ceremony. His young wife left him after only a couple of months (really just wanted the fancy wedding because all her girlfriends were having them). He is of the opinion that because she and her family were devout Catholics and she was so young, she most probably got an annulment. However, wouldn't he have to have been contacted? I guess what I'm trying to find out is - how do we find out if that marriage was annulled?

Thanks for your help.

[Deacon Bob]

Sorry for the delay in responding. I moved recently and things have been hectic. Yes, your fiance would have been contacted if there was an annulment. Now if they did not have an address for him that could be a reason he was not contacted if an annulment was obtained but normally a former spouse is contacted. As far as how to find out if their was an annulment I would contact the Tribunal in the diocease in which his former wife lived at the time he believes the annulment was sought or he could always contact his former wife if he has any idea where she is. Best wishes and God Bless.