8 Worrisome Myths About Divorce And Annulments Most Catholics Don’t Realize Are Bogus

4.    The Annulment Process Renders Children Illegitimate

False. Any marriage that was presumed to be valid, but later determined to be invalid through the annulment process, is a “putative” marriage. The Church clearly states that children of a putative marriage are legitimate (Canon 1137).

This myth can be very damaging to a child who is already emotionally destroyed by the divorce of his or her parents and in no way reflects the teachings of the Church. Children are always a blessing and a gift from God.