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.
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.
Key Requirements for Foreign Divorce Recognition
The court requires "prima facie" evidence of the foreign divorce and the foreign law that allows it.
Essential Documents Include:
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.
Marriage Record: A PSA-issued Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage.
Identification Documents: Valid passports and birth recognition of foreign divorce philippines records.
The Process: How to Recognize 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, divorce filipino citizen married to foreigner legal representation is mandatory.
Filing the Petition: The case is filed in the province or city where the petitioner resides or where divorce in korea recognized in philippines the marriage was recorded.
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 Foreign Divorce in the Philippines
One of the most frequent questions is: what is the cost of recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?
Costs recognition of foreign divorce philippines typically include:
Legal Fees: Charges for the lawyer’s expertise and representation.
Court Costs: Standard administrative fees for filing a civil case.
Newspaper Publication: A mandatory step in the judicial process.
Apostille and Translation 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 divorce filipino citizen married to foreigner are accurate.