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Office of the Tribunal



The Tribunal of the Diocese of Lincoln is appointed by Bishop Bruskewitz with the power to adjudicate in accordance with Canon Law. Among its primary duties is to examine petitions for a Declarations of Nullity, in which someone petitions the tribunal to determine if their prior marriage may be declared null.

3400 Sheridan Boulevard
P.O. Box 80328
Lincoln, NE 68501-3569
402-488-0921
Fax: 402-488-3569

Judicial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Mark Huber
Adjutant Judicial Vicars and Judges Rev. Maurice Current, Rev. Craig Doty
Judge Rev. Daniel Rayer
Promoter of Justice Msgr. Timothy Thorburn
Defenders of the Bond Msgr. Timothy Thorburn, Rev. Gary Coulter
Secretary and Notary Marilyn Friesen: email

Those wishing to petition for a declaration of nullity should first contact their local parish priest, who will assist in preparing the necessary documents and petition.


What is a Declaration of Nullity, what many improperly call an Annulment?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Marriage and Nullity, with references to the Code of Canon Law:

1628 The consent must be an act of the will of each of the contracting parties, free of coercion or grave external fear. (Cf. can. 1103) No human power can substitute for this consent. (Cf. can. 1057 #1) If this freedom is lacking the marriage is invalid.

1629 For this reason (or for other reasons that render the marriage null and void) the Church, after an examination of the situation by the competent ecclesiastical tribunal, can declare the nullity of a marriage, i.e., that the marriage never existed. (Cf. can. 1095-1107) In this case the contracting parties are free to marry, provided the natural obligations of a previous union are discharged.


Additional information:

Is an Annulment Just a Catholic Divorce?
Do I Need an Annulment? Common Q & A
Faith Facts: Annulments
Annulment Information
More Annulment Questions
Have you applied for an Annulment? Please complete a survey



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