Office of Canonical Services

The Office of Canonical Services provides for or facilitates the following pastoral needs:

The Tribunal - Email the Tribunal

The Marriage Tribunal serves Catholics who have divorced and wish to remarry; divorced persons desiring to marry a Catholic; married persons entering the Catholic Church, who need clarification of the canonical status of their marriage. Divorced persons cannot marry in the Catholic Church without a declaration of nullity for previous unions. A person in need of an annulment should consult with his/her parish priest before a proposed marriage for assistance in submitting a petition for nullity to the Marriage Tribunal. See Frequently asked questions regarding Divorce, Annulments and Remarriage in the Catholic Church

Diocesan Policies

The Chancellor maintains the policy manual for the diocese. This online manual may be consulted for information, guidance, norms and statutes, especially concerning particular laws and canonical entities of the Diocese of Spokane. The Judicial Vicar/Chancellor provides guidance for the interpretation and application of canon law and diocesan policies. See Diocesan Policy Manual

For questions about the Safe Environment program, for the protection of children and youth, seethe Office for Child & Youth Protection.

Diocesan Archives

The Archive of the Diocese is maintained under the supervision of the Chancellor.  To ask a question, or make an inquiry, please fill out the Contact Us form on this page.

Links to forms & specific policies:

Affidavit of Freedom to Marry (revised 4/2019)
Affidavit of Freedom to Marry ((Spanish) 2/2021)
Petition for Marriage Permission or Dispensation
Pastoral Policy for Marriage
Pre-Nuptial Investigation Form
Baptismal Register I
Baptismal Register II
Testimonial Letter Request Form