How to Obtain a Temple Divorce
In the Mormon or Latter-day Saints (LDS) religion, a temple divorce is called "Cancellation of Sealing" or "Sealing Clearance." There are gender differences regarding whether a sealing cancellation or clearance is required, but each follows a similar procedure. To get either a cancellation or clearance, you must obtain a civil divorce, meet with your bishop, formally apply and wait for written approval. After your cancellation or clearance is approved, you are free to be sealed in the temple to another eligible church member.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of civil divorce
- Appointment with your ward bishop
- Recommendation of bishop and stake president
- Formal application
- Written approval by the First Presidency
Instructions
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Determine whether to apply for a sealing cancellation or clearance. Women and men follow two different paths to end their marriage sealing. According to the 2006 "Church Handbook of Instructions," a woman who has previously been sealed "must receive a cancellation of that sealing from the First Presidency before she may be sealed to another man in her lifetime," while a man "must receive a sealing clearance."
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Obtain a civil (court) divorce. File for divorce in your local court according to legal procedure. Once the divorce is final, you will receive a copy of your decree; bring this copy when you meet with your bishop.
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Make an appointment with your ward bishop to discuss your desire for a sealing cancellation or clearance. Tell him about your situation, including your wish to be sealed in the temple to another eligible member (if applicable). If you are new to the area, use the LDS church locator (see Resources).
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Get the recommendation of your bishop and stake president. After your appointment with the bishop, he will discuss your situation with the stake president. They will verify that your divorce is final and that you are current on child and spousal support obligations.
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Get confirmation of formal application for your sealing cancellation or clearance. Following verification, the "Church Handbook of Instructions" states, "If the bishop and stake president decide to recommend that a cancellation of sealing or a sealing clearance be granted, they submit an Application to the First Presidency form." If you have not heard from your bishop a few weeks after your appointment, follow up with him to see if an application has been sent.
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Wait for written approval. Once the application is sent, you cannot schedule an appointment for a temple marriage or sealing until you receive a letter from the First Presidency granting the cancellation or clearance. This process can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year.
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Tips & Warnings
Wait until your civil divorce is final before applying for a sealing cancellation or clearance. Postpone plans for remarriage until your cancellation or clearance is approved. Remain a member in good standing while awaiting approval. Maintain contact with your Bishop throughout the process.
Do not lie about the status of your divorce, or your reasons for requesting cancellation or clearance. This can result in rejection of your application.
