Advocate of the Roman Rota

Stefania Cannas

Legal assistance in Canon Law by Rotal Lawyer in the UK

Role of the Rotal Lawyer

The title of rotal lawyer is obtained after completing a three-year course of study at the Rotal Study Office of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota. The program includes passing a final exam, which allows for registration in the Register of Rotal Lawyers.

This title permits to practice law worldwide, and especially before the Apostolic Tribunals of the Roman Rota and the Apostolic Signatura, as well as within the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia. Admission to practice before the latter may also be granted ad actum.

Legal Services

Declaration of Marriage Nullity
Family Law (Personal Statutes)
Procedures for the Dispensation of a Super Rato et non consummato Marriage
Dissolution of Marriage in favor fidei
Canonical Criminal Law
Canonical Administrative Law
Canonical Property Law
Postulation for the Causes of Saints
Vatican Law

For legal advise and consultations please contact cannasstefania4867@gmail.com or fill the form below.

Professional Experience

My expertise lies in canonical matrimonial law (commonly referred to as marriage nullity cases), in matters of separation and family law as governed by personal statutes, in canonical penal law, in canonical administrative law, and in issues related to ecclesiastical property.

In the field of canonical penal law, I have further enhanced my qualifications by completing the course in Canonical Penal Law and Jurisprudence at the Pontifical Gregorian University during the 2023–2024 academic year, earning the corresponding diploma.

Canonical penal law encompasses all types of canonical crimes, including those against the faith such as heresy, schism, and apostasy, as well as abuse of minors—namely, the cases classified as Delicta graviora—and offenses against the seventh commandment. I have practiced within the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

In the field of canonical administrative law, I have handled matters related to religious institutions and have prepared appeals in this area before the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

Canonical administrative law encompasses a wide range of issues, including the relegation of churches to profane but not sordid use, the suppression of parishes, and the procedures for the removal and transfer of parish priests.

I also work with contracts governed by canon law, particularly those involving the administration and management of ecclesiastical goods, which may also have implications under Italian civil law. I act both as Defender of the Bond and as a consultant to the petitioner in cases concerning the non-consummation of marriage. I previously attended the course at what was then the Congregation for the Sacraments and, in 2024, updated my expertise through advanced studies at the Tribunal of the Roman Rota.

I currently practice before both Vatican and Italian tribunals.

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