Dealing with a foreign divorce decree in the Philippines can be a complex and often confusing process for many overseas Filipinos.
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
However, when a foreign divorce decree is issued, it does not automatically change the Filipino spouse's status in the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority).
This is a judicial process where a Philippine court "recognizes" the foreign judgment, effectively capacitating the Filipino spouse to remarry.
What You Need to Prepare
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.
Proof of Foreign Law: You must prove that the law of the foreigner's country allows for divorce.
Marriage Record: A PSA-issued Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage.
Identification Documents: Valid passports and birth records.
The Process: How to Recognize Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
To successfully file your petition, you will generally follow this roadmap:
Engagement of a Lawyer: Since this is a judicial process, legal representation is mandatory.
Filing the Petition: The case is filed in the province or city where the petitioner resides or where the marriage was recorded.
how to recognize foreign divorce in philippines 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 divorce in us recognized in philippines of Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
One of the most frequent questions is: what is the cost of recognition of petition for recognition of foreign divorce philippines foreign divorce in the Philippines?
The total expenses can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's judicial recognition of foreign divorce philippines fees.
Attorney’s Fees: This is usually the largest portion of the expense.
Filing Fees: Paid directly to the court.
Publication Costs: The law requires the petition to be published in a newspaper of general circulation.
Translation and Authentication: For documents not in English or issued by non-Apostille countries.
Final Thoughts
Securing a judicial divorce in us recognized in philippines recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines is the only way to ensure your legal records are accurate.