If there is ample evidence against the other spouse, permission to remarry in the Coptic Church is granted to the innocent party — the individual not found to be at fault.

If there is not enough evidence or documentation to reach a decision, the investigating priest is asked to look further into specific aspects of the case. If the other individual cannot be met in person, a certified letter is sent requesting a response. If no response is received after a reasonable period, that person forfeits their right and the judgment proceeds.

If both sides are found to have violated Church doctrine, no permission to remarry is granted to either party.

In some cases, the spouses are asked to reconsider reconciliation. Some try and succeed; others do not. The matter is then re-referred to the Council.

In rare cases, an annulment is declared — meaning the marriage is treated as if it never validly occurred under Church canon. The reasons for annulment are distinct from those for dissolution. See the Annulment Reasons section below.

One party was already married — in Egypt or elsewhere — at the time of the Coptic Orthodox wedding. Their clearance was therefore fraudulent, and the subsequent marriage is considered canonically invalid.

A spouse had a significant physical condition prior to marriage — such as cancer, a serious heart condition, or tuberculosis — that was known to them but not disclosed to the other party before the marriage took place.

A man or woman was represented as a virgin prior to marriage while he or she was not. This reason requires careful examination and is subject to the discretion of the Council.

A pre-existing mental health condition — such as schizophrenia, obsessive behavior, or other significant psychological disorder — was known prior to marriage but was not disclosed to the other party.

One party misrepresented their financial status, professional position, or other significant circumstances in a way that directly affected the decision to marry.

Either for medical or psychological reasons, the parties were never able to consummate the marriage.

The woman was aware prior to the marriage that she was unable to conceive and bear children, and this was not disclosed to the other party.