We already have four installments on this topic (refer to Part I, Part II, Part III , Part IV), as well as related posts on annulment, legal separation, declaration of nullity and divorce. We’re trying to cope with the numerous questions raised, but with our schedules, it’s impractical to answer the questions one by one. This is the reason why we summarize the questions so that similar ones would be answered in one go. Again, browse through the existing related articles to see if your questions are covered by existing discussions.
In this series, we’ll centralize the questions relevant to Overseas Filipinos and OFWs. This will be a continuing discussion:
Divorce is allowed in the country where I’m located. Can I get a divorce here and would this be recognized in the Philippines?
Some countries allow the filing of divorce by Filipinos within their jurisdiction. The problem, however, is a divorce obtained by a Filipino abroad is not recognized in the Philippines (but the rule is different if the other spouse is a foreigner). It’s a useless exercise as far as Philippine law is concerned.
If a divorce secured by my foreign spouse is recognized in the Philippines, what should I do?
You need to file a petition for recognition of a foreign divorce decree with the appropriate court in the Philippines. Ask your lawyer to prepare the petition for you. See Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decree. Other related questions on foreign divorce decrees are discussed in that article.
Would it make any difference if I marry abroad (where divorce is allowed) so I could get a divorce later on in that place?
No. Filipinos are covered by the prohibition against divorce, regardless of wherever they get married (and regardless where they get a decree of divorce). This is based on the “nationality principle” which basically provides that Philippine laws affecting their status follow them wherever they may be.
Would it make any difference if I later become a citizen of the other country? For instance, I was married in the Philippines and secured a divorce in the United States. Both of us are Filipinos and my spouse voluntarily signed the divorce papers. After the divorce, I married another guy, a former Filipino who had acquired U.S. citizenship. I am still a Filipino citizen. Is my previous marriage still valid in the Phils.?
Yes, the first marriage is still considered valid in the Philippines because divorce between Filipinos, wherever secured and even if with the consent of both spouses, is not recognized under Philippine laws. In other words, as far as the Philippines is concerned, the second marriage is null and void.
What if I’m naturalized in another country and subsequently secures a divorce?
Naturalization in a foreign country is one of the ways to lose Filipino citizenship. A Filipino who loses his citizenship through naturalization may secure a divorce decree abroad and have the valid divorce decree recognized in the Philippines through the proper process in court. [See also Summary on Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decree in the Philippines.]
If divorce is not allowed in the Philippines, does this mean that spouses have no remedy in getting out of a problematic marriage?
While divorce is against public policy and is prohibited by law, the Family Code provides for certain grounds to annul a marriage or declare it as null and void.
Why not allow divorce in the Philippines?
Good question. But this is properly addressed to your representatives in the House and your Senators. As members of the legislative department, they have the power to make laws and change existing laws.
Can I file the petition for annulment or declaration of nullity even if I’m abroad?
Yes. You could prepare and file the petition for annulment or declaration of nullity even if you’re abroad. You could sign the document abroad and have it authenticated at the nearest Philippine embassy. You could then transmit the documents for filing here in the Philippines. Your lawyer should be able to guide you every step of the way, including the preparation and filing of the petition. [See also Filing an Annulment Case even While Abroad]
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Hi Atty,
Me and my husband are still living together and currently we live abroad. We always fight even on small issues and both of us claim that we don’t do our part as husband and wife to each other anymore. I feel depressed in every fight and I’m scared that would affect my work. I cannot afford to loose my job as our family depends on my earnings. Is it possible to file an annulment for this reason?
Thanks.
i filed divorce here in Australia and was granted. I’m now an australian citizen as well, i was married in Philippines last 2012. Now that i want to file an annulment does it change anything since im not a filipino citizen anymore? Or it will be the same procedure? does my ex have the right to say no the annulment?
Good pm attorney,
Need your advise.I have a female friend who got married to a married man whom she is also aware of. The man first marriage was 1995 and had a child.And after a year the wife went abroad and married a japanese and had a child .The man found out also that his child is using the mothers maiden name even if they were already married.After 8 years of not being together the mangot married for the second time without annulment on the first marriage.And had already a child.And the first wife had another man( third) and had a child again. Is there a possibility that any party can file a case.And what ground would that be.
Is the reason that “the solemnizing officer not present at the time of marriage” sufficient as a ground for annulment? The case is, the marriage certificate was signed by both parties and witnesses and then parked at the table of the municipal mayor for signing the following day. The mayor was NOT in the office during the signing of both parties and witnesses.
I got a merage in 2003 , but now I dicide process for annulment , and also now 5yrs separated, not talk not see to each other, what I need document to process my annulment, and also I’m here in Dubai, and my husband is inte Philippines , pls can someone advice for my question, thanks ,
hello po atty,
5 years na po ako hiwalay sa ex husband ko na iranian at dito po kami sa bicol kinasal. balak ko po magfile ng annulment at sana po bigyan u po ako ng legal advice po mula sainyo atty.
Hello. I read here from your responses that a petition for annulment of marriage could still be filed and the case could still continue even if the other spouse does not agree or even oppose the petition. What are the chances that the petition be granted if the one who filed is the ‘guilty’ party?
Hi, i need an advice, i am married for 10 years and now we separated, we havent had an annulment, and now i have a foreign bf and he wants to marry me at his country, can i marry my bf at his own country without having an annulment here? Of course my bf knows about my past…thanks
hello atty..
if i file y annulment and my ex wife contest is possible that my annulment be grant?
thank you
What is the process of annuling a marriage only reported to Philippines? We are both Filipino citizens who got married abroad. Our marriage was in abroad but was only reported to the Philippines. I was considering of filing a divorce while Im here in abroad. My husband left me two years ago and he doesn’t support my child financially. What should the process be? Please give me some legal advice. Thanks.