First, a civil, government “divorce” makes clear that the couple seriously does not intend to behave, in the future, as a couple. It might not be “required” under Church law, but I do not think the Church should waste much of its resources or time on marriages that have failed in the Civil, government courts.
Next? The Catholic Church does NOT consider divorce a sin. The problem is in remarriage, if the original marriage was indeed “sacramental”.
Furthermore, and there will be MANY ignorant posts which will try to refute me on this, but I know that I am correct:
An official annulment from the Church Tribunal is NOT required if the conscientious Catholic, in the “internal form” (your own conscience) is convinced that the marriage was not valid.
This is Church law. Anyone who contests what I just posted is very ignorant on the subjects. But contest they will, as some seem to insist on formal annulments, no matter what.
Use common sense. A formal annulment says, in effect, that the marriage NEVER happened in the eyes of God. The formal annulment does not REVERSE or UNDO the marriage contract, it states, factually, that no contract ever existed.
If the conscientious Catholic already knows this fact?
No formal process is required, but it is suggested that you discuss it with your local Priest, in order to avoid any possible objections from ignorant Catholics. (Also known as “avoiding scandal”)
An official annulment from the Church Tribunal is NOT required if the conscientious Catholic, in the “internal form” (your own conscience) is convinced that the marriage was not valid.
I’m getting married (outside the church) before receiving my expected annulment.
The key terminology in my mind is that the Tribunal “declares the marriage to have been a nullity” (my wording). That means that it already is a nullity (never was a marriage), but just must be formally declared so.
That said, I still understand that while a marriage outside the Church might not be a sin (adultery), the Declaration is needed for a marriage within the church.
You are incorrect. There is no internal forum that as you suggest determines anything.