Can. 1161 

​

§1 

The retroactive validation of an invalid marriage is its validation without the renewal of consent, granted by the competent authority. It involves a dispensation from an impediment if there is one and from the canonical form if it had not been observed, as well as a referral back to the past of the canonical effects.

​

§2 

The validation takes place from the moment the favour is granted; the referral back, however, is understood to have been made to the moment the marriage was celebrated, unless it is otherwise expressly provided.

​

§3  

A retroactive validation is not to be granted unless it is probable that the parties intend to persevere in conjugal life.

​