For many Filipinos married to non-citizens, obtaining a divorce overseas is only the first step in a longer legal journey.
However, thanks to Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines, there is a clear legal pathway to having your foreign marriage dissolution acknowledged.
What is the Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines?
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.
Essential Documents Include:
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.
PSA divorce in us recognized in philippines Marriage Contract: The official record of the marriage you are seeking to dissolve.
Identification petition for recognition of foreign divorce philippines Documents: Valid passports and birth records.
The Process: How to Recognize Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
Navigating the judicial system involves several critical phases:
Hiring Legal Counsel: You will need a lawyer to draft and file the petition in the RTC.
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.
Judgment and Registration: Once the court grants the foreign divorce decree philippines petition, the decree must be registered with the PSA and the Civil Registrar.
Cost of Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
Many applicants are concerned about the recognition of foreign divorce in Philippines cost.
There is no fixed price, as several factors influence the total investment.
Legal Fees: Charges for the lawyer’s expertise and representation.
Filing Fees: Paid directly to the court.
Newspaper Publication: A mandatory step in the judicial process.
Apostille and Translation Services: Ensuring your foreign documents divorce filipino citizen married to foreigner are legally recognized in the Philippines.
Final Thoughts
By understanding Article 26 of the Family Code, you can finally move forward with your life with the peace of mind recognition of divorce in the philippines that your civil status is correctly updated.