For many Filipinos, the dream of a second chance at love often hits a legal roadblock known as the "foreign divorce" rule.
While the Philippines does not have its own divorce law, it does recognize divorces obtained abroad under specific circumstances.
Understanding Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce
Unfortunately, a foreign divorce paper is not self-executing in the Philippines.
You must prove to a Philippine court that the divorce was validly obtained under the laws of the country where it was granted.
Who Qualifies for This Process?
This covers two main scenarios:
A marriage between a Filipino and a foreign national where the foreign spouse initiates the divorce.
Naturalized Citizens: Where a former Filipino citizen becomes a naturalized citizen of another country and then divorces their Filipino spouse.
Note: If both parties were Filipino citizens at the time of the divorce, the Philippine government generally will not recognize remarry after foreign divorce philippines the decree, even if it was obtained in a foreign court.
How to Process Your Recognition of Foreign Divorce
remarry after foreign divorce philippines To ensure a smooth transition to your new life, follow these remarry after foreign divorce philippines general steps:
Engaging a competent lawyer is the first remarry after foreign divorce philippines step in filing the necessary petition.
Prepare your documents, including the divorce certificate and an official copy of the foreign country's divorce laws.
Ensure all foreign-issued papers are properly Apostilled for legal use in the Philippines.
The court will hold hearings to verify the facts of your case.
Annotation: Once the court grants the petition, you must register the decision with the PSA and remarry after foreign divorce philippines the Local Civil Registrar.
Conclusion
Remarrying after a foreign divorce in the Philippines is a journey that requires patience and legal expertise.