Devotions for dating divorced couples remarrying

In previous eras, couples soldiered on even if they were very unhappy.

But boomers gave up on the concept of the dutiful-but-unhappy spouse a long time ago.

Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by Church authority.

Why does the Church require a divorced Catholic to obtain a declaration of nullity before marrying in the Church?

Whatever balance had been achieved is undermined, and with it the ability to handle the issue and still have a decent marriage.

Leave a comment below or discuss in Late-Life Divorce discussion in the AARP online community.

An annulment is a declaration by a Church tribunal (a Catholic church court) that a marriage thought to be valid according to Church law actually fell short of at least one of the essential elements required for a binding union. These Annulment FAQs explain who needs an annulment, the process, and its effects. "Annulment" is an unfortunate word that is sometimes used to refer to a Catholic "declaration of nullity." Actually, nothing is made null through the process.

How can people be so happy for so long, only to then have the marriage turn sour in what are supposed to be their "golden years" together? Some relationships have been in decline for decades and finally lose all their juice. It's more like a balloon that has been seeping air for a long time. Another possibility is that a couple's issues intensify.

Most problems are manageable, but then something sends them into hyperdrive.