About Parish Advocates

Parish Advocates assist Petitioners in submitting their marriage nullity cases to the Tribunal. Parish Advocates are priests and deacons (by virtue of their ordination), and appointed lay ministers who serve in this capacity.

All cases are submitted to the Tribunal by a Parish Advocate. It is the role of the Parish Advocate to ensure that all forms, documents, and fees are complete when submitted to the Tribunal. In addition, the Parish Advocate accompanies the Petitioner throughout the process, offering guidance, support, and help as needed. Respondents may also take advantage of the assistance of a Parish Advocate.

Parish Advocates have successfully completed the Tribunal’s Introductory and Advanced Parish Advocate training programs and have been appointed to a four-year term to serve in this capacity.

The first step in getting started with an annulment case is to contact a Parish Advocate in your parish or deanery. Below is the list of Parish Advocates (by City and Parish) who have completed the training and been appointed. Or, you may contact a priest or deacon in your parish to assist you. If your parish does not have an Advocate listed, feel free to call the Tribunal for a recommendation. We also have Parish Advocates who speak Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese.