Many Catholics who have lived through the heartbreak of divorce find themselves confused and uncertain about where they stand with the Church, especially regarding the possibility of remarriage. Today, we’ll discuss the Church’s teaching on divorce and the process she has in place for Catholics to possibly remarry. First, we need to clarify the terms. The common term for the end of this process is “annulment;” however, that term implies that the Church can dissolve a valid marriage. The Church cannot end a valid marriage because no one has the power to separate what God has joined together. Rather, the Church examines whether a true marriage ever existed according to God’s design and Church law. If it is determined that the marriage never existed, a “declaration of nullity” is issued (CCC 1629). Let’s look at what the Church teaches about marriage, the main reasons a marriage can be declared null, and what a declaration means (and does not mean) for the parties and their children.