If you are a Filipino citizen who was married to a foreigner and has since obtained a divorce abroad, you likely know that divorce is not technically "legal" within Philippine borders.
Understanding the judicial recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines is essential for any Filipino looking to update their civil status and regain the capacity to remarry.
Understanding Article 26 of the Family Code
The Philippine legal system follows the nationality principle, meaning Philippine laws follow its citizens wherever they go.
To be legally considered single again, you must file a petition for recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines.
Key Requirements for Foreign Divorce Recognition
Before heading to court, you must gather specific foreign divorce Philippines requirements.
Common Requirements:
Certified True Copy of the Divorce Decree: The official document proving the marriage was dissolved.
Apostilled/Authenticated Copy of the Foreign Divorce Law: Evidence that the divorce is valid under the foreign judicial recognition of foreign divorce philippines spouse's national legislation.
PSA Marriage Contract: The official record of the marriage you are seeking to dissolve.
Identification Documents: Valid passports and birth records.
The Process: How to Recognize divorce filipino citizen married to foreigner Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
The process of how to recognize foreign divorce in the Philippines typically follows these steps:
Engagement of a Lawyer: Since this is a judicial process, legal representation is mandatory.
Court Filing: Your lawyer submits the petition for recognition of foreign divorce Philippines to the appropriate court.
The Hearing Phase: The court will schedule hearings to verify the documents and testimony.
Finality and PSA Annotation: After the court's decision becomes final, your PSA marriage record will be annotated to show the divorce.
Cost of Recognition of judicial recognition of foreign divorce philippines Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
One of the most frequent questions is: what is the cost of recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?
Generally, you should expect to pay for:
Attorney’s Fees: This is usually the largest portion of the expense.
Court Costs: Standard administrative fees for filing a civil case.
Newspaper Publication: A mandatory step in the judicial cost of recognition of foreign divorce in philippines process.
Translation and Authentication: For documents not in English or issued by non-Apostille countries.
Final Thoughts
Securing a judicial recognition of foreign recognition of divorce in the philippines divorce in the Philippines is the only way to ensure your legal records are accurate.