The Briefer Process Case, also known as the Bishop’s Process, has come about due to the changes that Pope Francis initiated, reforming the Church’s procedures in determining the nullity of marriage cases.
In certain cases, where both parties agree that their marriage should be declared invalid, and there is clear and abundant proof to support their assertion, the parties can now opt to have the diocesan bishop judge their case directly, instead of going through the ordinary tribunal process (the formal case). The parties will still need to present enough solid evidence for the bishop to make a confident determination of the status of their marriage, but in many cases this will be a simpler process. This evidence would include witness testimony, expert testimony (such as evidence provided by a counselor, psychologist, or other qualified professional) or documents.