The Church does not recognize the sanctity of the marriage and grants an annulment (for myriad reasons) after BOTH parties are questioned very thouroughly about those reasons.
And while there is a fee exacted, it is usually about $250.
I had my first marriage annuled after my CIVIL divorce was final. My children are considered legitimate in the eyes of the Church. The state does not recognize the sanctity of a church wedding, only the civil aspects thereof.
This is an old Catholic-bashing canard.
Exactly.
Additionally, the fee is not hard and fast, and those unable to pay can basically pay what they can afford.
There are cases where the annulment has been expensive and lengthy but I believe that occurs under unusual circumstances, and involves not just the annulment but future marriage.