When an individual (known as the Petitioner) submits a petition to the Tribunal to have the validity of their marriage investigated, they are asking the Tribunal to gather testimony and other evidence surrounding their marriage. The petitioner believes their marriage to the Respondent to be invalid. The Tribunal considers their marriage to be valid until proven otherwise. Canon law requires that the judges be morally certain that the marriage is invalid to overturn this presumption of law. Because declaring the invalidity of a marriage between two people is a serious matter, it is of the utmost importance that you provide as much information as you can. Be as detailed as you can in answering the questions provided.
Whether you are the Petitioner or the Respondent filling out a questionnaire, it is imperative that we have all the facts necessary to come to the truth regarding the marriage. There are several factors that could have led to an invalid marriage. Those factors must have been present at the time of consent, that is, when you said your wedding vows. Events from your past, your childhood, your understanding of marriage, etc. may have influenced your capability to fully consent to marriage. This often includes revealing sensitive personal information that would be evidence of why you were not able to consent to this marriage. Be assured that we treat your information with the utmost confidentiality. The information does not leave the Tribunal and can only be read by the Court, the Petitioner, the Respondent and their respective Advocates. The Petitioner and the Respondent can only read the testimonies at an appointed period of time by the Tribunal. This is done only in person at the Tribunal, by appointment.
As has been stated, this is an investigation and, in any investigation, as much evidence as possible is needed to come to the truth. Providing one-word answers or no answer at all is not sufficient and may delay the case by creating a need for additional investigation.