Metropolitan Tribunal

The Metropolitan Tribunal exists to serve God’s people with justice, charity, and respect for each person’s story. Please know that you can count on us to accompany and assist you.

OUR MISSION    
The Metropolitan Tribunal is the judicial office of the Archdiocese of Boston, responsible for matters concerning the application and practice of Canon Law. It also serves the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda, and acts as the Court of Second Instance for the Dioceses of Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont.

On behalf of the Archbishop, the Tribunal handles petitions for a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, as well as cases involving the Pauline and Petrine Privileges.

The Tribunal is staffed by judges, advocates, notaries, and other professionals who serve the ministries, the clergy, and the faithful of the Archdiocese. Cases are currently heard in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Vietnamese.

HOW TO BEGIN A CASE
Anyone wishing to begin a case should first speak with his or her pastor, who will assist in preparing and submitting the petition.

TRIBUNAL HOURS

Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 
The Tribunal observes Catholic and federal holidays, in accordance with the regular schedule of the Pastoral Center.

Telephone
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Tribunal attends to internal matters only; calls received during those hours are directed to voicemail and returned the following business day. Other inquiries may be sent by email to [email protected].

Correspondence
Letters delivered on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday are processed on the next business day. When a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, it is extended to the next business day.