What length of time do you need to be married in order for the marriage to be anulled? If the marriage was abusive can it be anulled?

The Catholic Church believes that God does not recognize civil divorces. Jesus said, "Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." (Mark 10:9) However there may be hope of a declaration of nullity. The term "annulment" is a misnomer because the Church does not undo or erase a marriage bond. Rather the Church issues a declaration of nullity when it discovers that the parties were not truly joined by God and hence a full spiritual sacramental marriage as understood by the Church was not present. Then the parties are free to marry for the first time. Grounds for nullity include: + Either one or both of the spouses were not baptized persons during the time of marriage + An unauthorized marriage by a Catholic before someone other than a designated priest or deacon + A marriage where one of the spouses had an impediment such as a previous marriage and civil divorce + A marriage where there was a deficiency in consent or the ability of one or both the spouses The procedure is the same whether or not there are children in the marriage. If a declaration of nullity is granted then the children are still considered legitimate and retain all legal rights (Canon 1137). With love in Christ.

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