Another question - how did you find out what the backlog was for the annulment process in your current diocese versus the diocese in which you got married? Was your parish priest able to find out? Also did you go to your priest first in order to start the process?
I first asked about the annulment process when I was at the Parish Office to sign my kids up for CCD. I have not spoken to a priest. The person who I needed to speak to was out so I left my name and number with the receptionist. I looked at info online and also called the Office of Canonical Services directly and asked about the process and got an estimate of how long it would take. The person who called me from the parish also spoke to me about the process and she also serve as my Advocate. The advocate can be a pastor or deacon but where I live it is a qualified lay person.
I was told there were three possible Dioceses to file the Petition: the Diocese where I live, the Diocese where my ex lives, or the Diocese where I married.