Reply #19: It is a lot easier to get an annulment in the US than almost any other Country [View All]

And even the Vatican has complained of this. The purpose of the Annulment rules was to acknowledge people do make mistakes. If the mistake is true, why should the person who made the mistake be forbidden access to the church? Given that God is All Forgiving, so must be the Church, IF SOMEONE IS TRULY SORRY FOR HIS OR HER ACT. Thus the requirement for a meeting with the Chancellor (A position held by a Priest within the Diocese) to make sure that is the case. IF the Chancellor agrees with the proposed annulments, it is sent to Rome where it is approved (Rome almost NEVER reject an annulment, relying on the Chancellor to filter any false claims).

Thus the rules you cite are often used to show a justification for an annulment. Annulments are NOT automatic, but if the Chancellor supports one, you are almost sure to get one. In Europe the Chancellors are less willing to approve an annulments, so Europeans who want one often travel to the US and get one. More a difference as to what someone should know when they marry then any source of Cash.