Canonical & Tribunal Services

Welcome to Canonical and Tribunal Services of the Diocese of Austin. The ministry of the Tribunal includes all matters concerning the application and practice of canon law within the diocese.

The canon lawyers and trained professionals of this office, provide services and canonical counsel to the bishop, offices, parishes and institutions of the diocese.

Tribunal ministry is one part of the church’s effort to offer healing and hope for the victims of broken marriages. The Tribunal investigates cases of marital failure to determine whether parties in certain instances may be free to remarry in the Catholic Church. This happens in the form of a Nullity of Marriage (or more commonly, annulment) trial.