Divorce for Filipino Citizens Married to Foreigners

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).

To be legally considered single again, you must file a petition for recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines.

What You Need to Prepare

Before heading to court, you must gather specific foreign divorce Philippines requirements.

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.

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:

Hiring Legal Counsel: You will need a lawyer to draft and file the petition in the RTC.

Filing the Petition: The divorce in us recognized in philippines case is filed in the province or city where the petitioner resides or where the marriage was recorded.

Trial and Evidence: You (or your representative) will present the evidence of the divorce and the foreign law.

Judgment and Registration: Once the court grants the petition, the decree must be divorce in us recognized in philippines registered with the PSA and the Civil Registrar.

Cost of Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines

One of the most frequent questions article 26 family code philippines divorce is: what is the cost of recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?

The total cost of recognition of foreign divorce in philippines expenses can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's recognition of divorce in the philippines fees.

Legal Fees: Charges for the lawyer’s expertise and representation.

Court Costs: Standard administrative fees for filing a civil case.

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 recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines is the only way to ensure your legal records are accurate.