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?
Because there is no absolute divorce law in the Philippines, a Filipino citizen cannot simply file for divorce.
Whether it is a divorce in the US recognized in the Philippines or a divorce in Korea recognized in the Philippines, the procedure remains largely the same: you must prove the divorce happened and that it was valid under the foreign spouse's national law.
Key Requirements for Foreign Divorce Recognition
Success in your petition depends heavily on the documentation you provide to the Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Common Requirements:
The Foreign Divorce Decree: This must be an authentic copy issued by the foreign court or authority.
Proof of Foreign Law: You must prove that the law of the foreigner's country allows for divorce.
PSA Marriage Contract: The official record of the foreign divorce decree philippines marriage you are seeking to dissolve.
Identification Documents: Valid passports and birth records.
The Process: How to Recognize Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
The process of how to recognize foreign divorce divorce in us recognized in philippines in the Philippines typically follows these steps:
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.
Trial and Evidence: recognition of foreign divorce in philippines cost You (or your representative) will present the evidence of the divorce and the foreign law.
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 Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
One of the most frequent questions is: what is the cost how to recognize foreign divorce in philippines of recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?
Costs typically include:
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.
Apostille and Translation divorce in korea recognized in philippines Services: Ensuring your foreign documents are legally recognized in the Philippines.
Final Thoughts
Securing a judicial recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines is the only way to ensure your legal records are accurate.