The Diocesan Tribunal

Very Rev Stephen Maughan, JCL, STB

Judicial Vicar & Chancellor

50a The Avenue
Linthorpe
Middlesbrough
TS5 6QT

Tel: 01642 850505
Fax 01642 812763
Email: chancellor.jv@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk

Admin support: Mrs Dawn Cummings

Tel 01642 850505 ext 257

The Tribunal

The bulk of the Tribunal’s work is concerned with the investigation into the possible nullity of marriages. After what is often a painful divorce, people sometimes feel the need for the Church to recognise that there was something not right about their marriage. For some this will achieve closure and sense of peace. For others the benefit is more pragmatic – they seek to remarry in the Catholic Church and can only do so if their former marriage is declared null by the Church. The Tribunal seeks to ease the path for these people while always staying faithful to the teaching of the Church. Applications to the Tribunal should first of all be discussed with a priest and must always be made in writing to the Judicial Vicar at the Curial Offices (50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT). Although the Tribunal is involved in other matters, these are relatively rare.

The Chancery

Much of the work of the Chancery is administrative and designed to help the smooth running of the diocese. The work can stretch from enabling marriages to take place legally; ensuring that the property of the Church is correctly protected and administered on behalf of the people to whom it properly belongs; advice to the Bishop on matters of public good and public order; liaising with outside agencies; enquiries from people regarding the status of themselves or their parishes/churches in Canon Law. In short, the Chancery works to ensure that the Church works properly on behalf of all its members.

Some Useful Documents for the Clergy and Faithful

Diocesan Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form.doc – to be filled in with parish clergy when preparing for marriage

Marriage Guidelines – helpful information

Affidavit of Freedom to Marry – Couple – to be signed by the couple themselves and included with the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form

Affidavit of Freedom to Marry – Third Party – to be signed by third party and included with the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form

Diocesan Policy on Dispensation from the Canonical Form (Place) of Marriage – for information purposes

Application Form for Dispensation from the Canonical Form (Place) of Marriage – to be submitted with Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form

Award Guidelines – information and Guidance about Papal Awards Information and Guidance about Papal Blessings

Convert Form – for clergy to fill in with those seeking Full Communion with the Catholic Church

Marriage Notification – for informing the church of baptism of Catholic parties