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.
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.
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:
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 divorce in us recognized in philippines or Report of Marriage.
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 in the Philippines typically follows these steps:
Hiring Legal Counsel: You will need a lawyer to draft and file the divorce filipino citizen married to foreigner petition in the RTC.
Filing the Petition: The case is filed in the province or city where the petitioner resides or where 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
Many applicants are concerned about the recognition of divorce in us recognized in philippines foreign divorce in Philippines cost.
There is no fixed price, as several factors influence the total investment.
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 process.
article 26 family code philippines divorce Apostille and Translation Services: Ensuring your foreign documents are legally recognized in the Philippines.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are dealing with a foreign divorce decree Philippines from Europe, Asia, or the Americas, following the correct divorce in us recognized in philippines legal steps is crucial.