12. When is a decision reached?

After all of the information is gathered, a judge or panel of judges will write the decision. They will decide whether or not the marriage was indeed invalid from the start. Another person who is known as the Defender of the Bond also participates. The Defender of the Bond represents the marriage itself, speaking in favor of all the facts that support the validity of the marriage. After the judge reaches a decision, both you and your former spouse will be notified of the decision (unless the former spouse does not wish to be notified). If either of you disagrees with it, there is a process of appeal available to you. The decision can be appealed either to the Appellate Court for the State of Texas or to the Roman Rota.

                                                                                                                                        Back to questions