Remembering that this new act of consent (in the validation) will create the only valid marriage, these situations will vary widely. In the case of recently, civilly married couples, the full preparation period is usually indicated; this is always the case when the civil marriage was entered to avoid the six-month preparation process. Even in the case of a couple civilly married for many years, an assessment of their previous involvement in the church and of the stability of their marital relationship requires a time for preparation.

Consultation with priest, deacon or pastoral administrator for appropriate preparation is necessary.