Tribunal Personnel

According to Church law, the Bishop is actually the chief judge of the Diocese. In practice it is not possible for the Bishop to personally carry out that function. The work of the Tribunal is carried out by a number of specially trained priests, deacons, religious, and lay persons. All of the Tribunal Personnel are under the direction of the Judicial Vicar, a priest who is directly responsible to the Bishop.

Tribunal Judges are responsible for determining the legal reason or ground under which a case is investigated and decided. A panel of three Judges decides most cases. To assist in the investigation, the Tribunal has Auditors who take testimony from the Petitioner, Respondent, and witnesses. Advocates may be appointed to assist the Petitioner and Respondent in presenting their case. A Defender of the Bond safeguards the dignity of each marriage by raising any arguments in favor of the validity of a union. There are secretaries and notaries who make sure that the cases are properly filed and notices are sent out at the direction of the Judges.

Tribunal Representatives on the Deanery level can help you to begin a case. Please contact the parish office near you or the Office of the Tribunal for the name of a local Deanery Representative.