Recognition of Foreign Divorce

Lawyers in the Philippines

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Why choose us?

Checklist for Recognition of Foreign Divorce documents and eligibility has to be assessed prior to starting a case.

We give a clear assessment of the situation so you know the concrete benefits of the case to you in your specific circumstances.

FCB Law Office communicates thoroughly to be sure our clients understand the Recognition of Foreign Divorce case process

We communicate clearly on the case process so you know what to expect and what input is required from you for a successful case.

FCB's Recognition of Foreign Divorce clients are all over the world.

We bring experience from hundreds of successfully finished cases and have done divorces in Japan, Korea, Canada, the US, and many other countries.

FCB prices Family Law Cases in the Philippines fairly.

Honest pricing where we charge you fairly and present total costs upfront. Many do not include costs such as publication and government fees.

FCB's Recognition of Foreign Divorce clients can trust that the case is being worked on diligently.

Trustworthy Work We do the work always with you in mind. We file only what is needed and we conclude the case as quickly as possible.

Why do you need Recognition of Foreign Divorce?

Recognition of Foreign Divorce is only available between a foreigner (not a dual citizen) and a Filipino. The reasons the case is done are the following:

Recognition clients often require the case so that they are able to immigrate abroad.

Immigration of Filipino Spouse to new Country

Countries such as Norway require the divorce to be recognized before they provide a visa and allow the immigration of a new spouse to their country.

Remarriage may only be possible when the Recognition case is complete.

Remarriage in foreigner Country or the Philippines

Countries like Korea & Japan among others require this case before remarriage in their country. A foreigner in the PH previously married to a Filipino may also need this to remarry in the PH.

Recognition is important when you live, invest or have property in the Philippines as without it government may assume that your former spouse has rights to your property.

Formally Remove Spousal Rights

If you live, invest, or have property in the Philippines you need to recognize your foreign divorce so it is clear that you ex-Filipino spouse has no claim to your property or any other investments you have.

PH Passport holders can revert to their maiden name when the case is concluded.

Revert PH Passport to Maiden Name

If you are a divorced Filipina, then you will need this case so that you can revert to your maiden name in your Philippine passport otherwise it cannot be changed.

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Recognition of Foreign Divorce

What are the requirements?

You can start the case with just the Marriage Certificate, the Divorce Decree, and valid IDs. You will also need to get the Foreign Law but we will guide you on how to get this document as it must be gathered as per PH Laws on Evidence and it is not enough just to get a copy.

Recognition of Foreign Divorce cases must be able to present their PSA marriage certificate.

Marriage Certificate

Philippine courts will require the presentation of the Divorce decree for Recognition cases.

Divorce Decree

Valid IDs with a photo and signature are required as part of the SPA that authorize FCB Law Office to work on the case.

Valid IDs w/ photo & signature

instruct you when you ar gathering the foreign divorce law as it must comply with PH Rules on Evidence

Foreign Law

Recognition of Foreign Divorce 7 Step Process

Email FCB Law Office to get in touch with Family Law Lawyers in the Philippines

Contact Us for a case assessment to determine if you are eligible and if this case will address the goals that you have. Add in as much detail as you can and any documents you have.

A full assessment of the facts and situation must be done before our Family Law Lawyers file the case.

Case Assessment We’ll assign a lawyer to assess your documents. Do not worry if you have incomplete documents – we will guide you on how to correctly get missing documents so that they are accepted in court.

FCB will provide full instructions on what documents are needed for the Recognition of Foreign Divorce case.

Document Gathering We’ll be available to answer questions that you have during the document gathering process so that you gather the documents correctly.

Recognition case pleadings must then be filed at the Family Law Court

Filing at Court FCB Law Office will file the case at court and complete the required service and publication requirements, which are required at a Jurisdictional hearing.

Recognition of Foreign Divorce cases must present evidence and testimony at court prior to the Decision

Witness Testimony Some judges will allow videoconferencing testimony, and we will check with the judge as to what is possible. Only the judge can say whether or not he requires you to personally appear.

The judge will release a Decision after the presentation of the Recognition Case evidence and testimony.

Decision The judge will then rule on the case after witness testimony and the submission of the Formal Offer, which is a document summarizing the case evidence and facts.

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Registration Upon the receipt of the Finality of Decision, the last step is filing at multiple government agencies such as the Local Civil Registrar, Manila, and PSA Main.

Further Reading

Denying Paternity in the Philippines When a Wife’s Child is Not Her Husband’s

Denying Paternity in the Philippines When a Wife’s Child is Not Her Husband’s

Denying paternity in the Philippines requires filing a Petition to impugn legitimacy which must be filed with the court within a brief window of time, beyond which the action is barred by law. The legitimacy of the child will no l...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?
Recognition of foreign divorce is a legal process in the Philippines that allows a Filipino citizen, who has obtained a divorce decree from a foreign country, to have that divorce recognized and enforceable in the Philippines. This process is necessary because the Philippines does not have divorce laws, and this recognition permits the Filipino citizen to remarry under Philippine law.
Who can file for recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?

A Filipino citizen married to a foreigner who has obtained a divorce decree from a foreign country is eligible for recognition of foreign divorce. Either the Filipino or the foreigner can file the case.

What are the requirements for filing for recognition of foreign divorce?

The requirements for filing for recognition of foreign divorce may include:

  • A verified petition for recognition of foreign divorce
  • Authenticated copy of the foreign divorce decree
  • Proof of the foreign divorce law that allowed the divorce
  • Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issued a marriage certificate
  • PSA-issued birth certificate or valid identification documents
  • Additional documents may be required, depending on the specifics of the case.
Where should I file the petition for recognition of foreign divorce?

You should file the petition for recognition of foreign divorce in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of the place where the marriage was celebrated.

How long does the process take?
The process can take a year to a year and a half, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the court.
Can I remarry in the Philippines once the foreign divorce is recognized?
Yes, once the foreign divorce is recognized, you will be free to remarry under Philippine law,
provided that you meet all other requirements for marriage.
Do I need a lawyer to file for recognition of foreign divorce in the Philippines?

Yes, you will need a lawyer to file for Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines as this is an actual court case with hearings.

Can my foreign spouse remarry in the Philippines after the divorce is recognized?

Yes, your foreign spouse may need to file for Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Philippines to remarry, as they will not be able to get a CENOMAR to get a marriage license since their former PH marriage was recorded in the PH.

What happens if my petition for recognition of foreign divorce is denied?

If your petition is denied, you can appeal the decision or consult with a lawyer to understand your options. If the petition is ultimately denied, the foreign divorce will not be recognized, and you will still be considered legally married under Philippine law.

Can I file for annulment in the Philippines if my foreign divorce is not recognized?

Yes, if your foreign divorce is not recognized, you may consider filing for annulment in the Philippines to legally end your marriage.

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