The Canon Law of Marriage and the Family » (2nd Edition)

This work has three parts: the first deals with the substantive law on marriage; the second deals with procedures, such as nullity procedures and procedures for the dissolution of marriage; the final part deals with issues of family law.

Part One expounds the theory that underpins the canon law on marriage, questions such as the nature of Christian marriage, the sacramentality of marriage, the essential properties of marriage and the formation of the bond of marriage. It explains the impediments to marriage, the grounds of nullity, preparation for marriage and the formalities that precede the celebration of marriage. It also outlines the law regarding mixed marriages and validation of marriage.

Part Two explains procedures in Church law that relate to marriage and highlights the rights of the persons involved in them.

Part Three presents elements of Church law that concern the family: the place of the family in the Church, the role of parents in preparation for and celebration of the sacraments, the role of parents in handing on the faith, the role of the Church in promoting the welfare of children, and finally the situation of the divorced and remarried vis-a-vis the sacraments.

The book concludes with a number of appendices which deal with the application of church law in areas such as the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry, marriage in Rome and mixed marriages.