MARRIAGE AND INVALIDITY… Reconciliation and Healing

WHAT EFFECTS DOES A DECLARATION OF INVALIDITY HAVE ON THE LEGITIMACY OF CHILDREN?

If children are born to a couple in a civil marriage, they are legitimate according to civil law. A decree of invalidity by a church tribunal does not affect them. An invalidity study deals only with the nature of marriage as a bond recognized by the church. A Tribunal does not accept a petition for nullity until a divorce is final and all previous responsibilities toward the former spouse and children are acknowledged. A declaration of invalidity has no civil or ecclesial effects on any children of the Parties.