<![CDATA[An annulment of marriage is distinct from a divorce. In the Catholic Church, an annulment properly termed a decree of nullity is an official declaration that a valid marital bond was never formed from the outset. This article aims to analyze the grounds for marital nullity and explain the canonical procedure for annulment within the Catholic Church. Utilizing a qualitative-doctrinal approach grounded in the Code of Canon Law, this study explores three primary grounds for nullity: the presence of a diriment impediment, a defect in canonical form, and a lack of valid matrimonial consent. Furthermore, this article outlines the judicial process involved in petitioning for an annulment before an ecclesiastical tribunal. By examining these aspects, this paper clarifies the fundamental distinction between the dissolution of a bond and the recognition of its initial invalidity, highlighting the Catholic Church's theological understanding of marital indissolubility.]]>
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