Catholic Annulment Grounds... Alcoholism?

Question

Is alcoholism a valid reason for a catholic annulment? At the time of the marriage I knew my ex was a recovering alcoholic, but what I did not know was that he was still drinking, but doing a good job of hiding it. He was also sleeping with a girl he worked with and doing a good job of hiding that also.

Right before we got married we were so busy preparing for our wedding & we started working opposite shifts at our jobs & hardly ever got to see each other, that's when it all started. I was blind-sided 6 months after our wedding!

That was 4 years ago & now he wants to have the marriage annulled. I am all for it. He said he will admit to the drinking, the adultery, everything. I am just afraid to be turned down. I really miss receiving the Eucarist. Also, since he is the guilty party - can he initiate the annulment?

Thanks for any information in advance!!!

Answer 1

Yes, he can initiate the annulment.

Yes, the annulment will most likely go through. The annulment process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the backlog at the diocese.

And NO, adultery is not grounds in and of itself for an annulment. If the adultery was occurring before the marriage and continued into the marriage then he was not making a valid commitment to you at the wedding. That would be grounds for an annulment.

Answer 2

dont worry, Im sure you will be granted an annulment, since it is now quite obvious that your husband had no intentions to be faithful or chaste or have only one partner till death. The vows he took were tainted with this intention, so they were / are null and void at the time the vows were said. What a shame. But , you are deserving of a good man, one to love you and be your partner for life. Get rid of that geek.

Answer 3

Talk to a priest. The adultery will do it on it's own. The drinking is just icing.

Hope everything works out for you.

Answer 4

Either of you can initiate the annulment.

It sounds like you have a good case, but it is up to the Tribunal to decide. But starting the process for requesting an annulment is certainly important and should be done.

The best way to find out is to get the ball rolling.  

Answer 5

Hello,

I can only speculate here. Alcoholism may be regarded as a disease and you may not get it on that but the fact he committed adultery, especially if repeatedly will be the technicality that would give you an annulment.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 6

I don't know about alcoholism, but I do know adultery is.

Answer 7

I'm sure you can spin alcoholism so that it's "irreconcilable differences."

Answer 8

You will need to speak to a priest. Alcoholism is no guarantee but it could be a factor in deciding that your husband was not mature enough to make a binding sacramental marriage. God bless