How long does the diocesan process for freedom to marry typically take and what are the fees?
Executive summary
Diocesan annulment timelines vary widely: many U.S. tribunals report typical completion in roughly 5–18 months, with common estimates of 5–7 months or 9–18 months depending on the diocese and case complexity [1] [2]. Fees also vary: some dioceses charge nothing, others ask modest administrative contributions (commonly $75–$400, or a nominal $100), and most explicitly allow waivers for inability to pay [3] [4] [5] [6] [1].
1. Why “how long” has no single answer
Tribunals say duration depends on the kind of case, evidence needed, appeals and local workload; the Diocese of La Crosse gives a standard of about five to seven months for an ordinary case [1], while the Harrisburg tribunal notes that most modern cases finish within 9–18 months and that a few may be shorter or longer [2]. National guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops tells petitioners their local diocesan tribunal can give a more exact estimate based on the specifics of the case [7].
2. Case type and procedure drive time
Formal judicial cases that require witness testimony, documentary collection and a judgment naturally take longer; diocesan pages emphasize that formal cases need “very thorough and comprehensive” investigation of both spouses and therefore “require a significant period of time” [5]. Some dioceses point to administrative steps — screening, notifying the respondent, and appellate review when a positive decision is reached — as built-in time sources [8] [1].
3. Local capacity and backlog matter
Individual diocesan staffing levels and caseloads change timelines. One parish FAQ notes that certain types of cases have been taking up to about a year and a half because of process length and tribunal staffing [9]. The USCCB and local tribunals both direct petitioners to consult their parish or diocesan tribunal to get an up-to-date estimate [7] [8].
4. Fees range from none to a few hundred dollars — and not a barrier
Fees are described by dioceses as administrative contributions, not payments for a favorable decision. Practices vary: some dioceses list no fee at all or explicitly say one “does not pay for an annulment” [4] [9], while others list specific non‑refundable amounts — for example $75 upfront and a total of $225 in Allentown’s schedule (or a later $100 invoice option) [5], or a standard processing fee of $400 in La Crosse [1]. The Diocese of Wilmington states an expected contribution of $100 but says inability to pay does not affect acceptance and fees can be waived [6].
5. Waivers and diocesan subsidies are common policy
Multiple sources stress that financial inability should not bar access: many tribunals bear most costs themselves or provide waivers. A Catholic Review explanation notes that in many American tribunals there is no charge and those that do charge always have provisions to make the process accessible to those who cannot pay [10]. Diocesan statements echo that no one has been denied tribunal services for lack of funds [4] [6].
6. Practical takeaway for someone planning to remarry in the Church
Do not set a marriage date until your tribunal gives a timeline: dioceses warn that the Church asks that no new marriage be scheduled until any prior marriage is resolved via the tribunal process [9]. Start with your parish priest or your diocesan tribunal to get the precise local timeline and the exact fee schedule and waiver rules [7] [3].
Limitations and what sources do not say
Available sources do not mention a single, universal national processing time or a uniform national fee; the reporting is explicitly local and procedural, and dioceses advise petitioners to consult their own tribunal for precise estimates [7] [8].