The Impact of Motu Proprio on Interest in Marriage Annulments in Spain: A Fractional Integration Approach

Abstract Objective: Marriage annulments play an important role in dignifying people. The main aim of this research paper is to analyze the impact of Motu Proprio (2015) on the interest in marriage annulments (IMA) in Spain, considering the business cycle. Hypotheses: (1) Motu Proprio reform might have a positive impact on interest in marriage annulments and (2) Business cycle could influence on people decisions regarding marriage nullities. Method: We apply methods of fractional integration to assess whether the reform has had a permanent or transitory effect, and if there is causality between GDP and interest in marriage annulments by means of the Breitung and Candelon frequency domain causality test. Results: The results show that business cycle does not impact interest in marriage annulments. Additionally, Motu Proprio had a strong impact on IMA in the short term but was not long lasting. Conclusion: People do not seem to request nullities for a decrease in bureaucratic processes or for the economic performance, but rather for the imperative need to regain their dignity and spirituality. JEL classification: K33, C32.