letter(s) from former spouse as part of sealing cancellation process

[ryancbruce]

piercee wrote:
> Answer on where to find template letter:
> Once you have logged into LCR, click on “membership”, under “confidential”
> click on “applications to the first presidency”, find the member requesting
> the sealing cancellation, in the “leader letter to former spouse” section,
> you have to mark the box that indicates you do have the address of that
> person and enter it into the form. Thereafter, you will find an option to
> “preview and print the letter.” A very helpful template is created with an
> option to add your own comments to this letter. I hope this helps.


As far as I can tell, the options mentioned above are no longer available. Does anyone know how to get the letter template now?

[BrianEdwards]

I'll once again suggest that all Bishops finding this thread, make sure they also communicate this to their Stake President. As this is a relatively rare and yet extremely sensitive situation, it's very challenging for Bishops who likely only have to do this maybe once during their calling. I personally feel that Stake Presidents should make sure they are aware of the details of this process, and can give specific guidance to their Bishops on how to proceed for these different scenarios. Or at least, be aware of where they can point Bishops to access any online instructions. And the more Stake Presidents hear this from their Bishops, the more hopeful I am that Stake Presidents might become better resources for Bishops in these situations.

As far as I can tell, the options mentioned above are no longer available. Does anyone know how to get the letter template now?

Anyways, to your question, from what I can tell there's no way for a Bishop to access any type of documentation for any of the "Application to the First Presidency" options, unless there is an actual application in-process. So the only hope for confirmation of current options, would be for a Bishop who has an application in-process, to provide details on what he can see. A couple years ago I submitted feedback that there should be links for Bishops to access on-line docs of some sort, so they could know beforehand what the upcoming steps would be for an application, and perhaps access things like the template we've discussed. But I do not believe that has been made available.

[wearepauls]

We have been waiting for 13 years. We tried once in the beginning but his spouse refused to give the consent letter. Now after 13 yrs we want to be sealed together along with our 3 daughters we approached her again and even now she refuses to give her consent letter. What should we do?

[russellhltn]

Talk to your bishop. Policies change over time. General Handbook 38.4.1.4 doesn't require anything from the prior spouse.

Going from memory, I don't know as "permission" from the former spouse was ever required, but only their input. The current policy requires verification that the divorce is final and "is current in all legal requirements for child and spousal support related to the divorce."

[lajackson]

I don't know as "permission" from the former spouse was ever required, but only their input.

Not even their input is required. The bishop has instructions on what to do if a former spouse refuses to provide a letter.