Can a Filipino file an annulment case in the Philippines while abroad? The same issue equally applies to annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of marriage, and recognition of a foreign divorce decree. Overseas Filipinos (OF) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are currently confronted with the threat of the covid-19 global pandemic and the resulting lockdown/quarantine implemented around the world. Many Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or while abroad, seek a fresh start in their marital life. They seek to do it the right way by ensuring that the previous marriage is properly nullified or declared void (for one, children in the next family are considered illegitimate).
Filing an annulment case from abroad is allowed. A Filipino currently staying in a foreign jurisdiction must comply with a number of requirements, including the preparation and filing of the proper petition and presenting evidence to support the petition.
The petition must be verified and must contain the statement of facts necessary to support the case. Technology can help in the preparation of the narration and the petition itself. Emails and internet connections (like Zoom and Viber) can assist the lawyer in interviewing the witnesses and clarifying the details of the petition. Under the new rules of procedure, the judicial affidavits must be attached to the initiatory pleading (or the one first filed in court to start the case).
The petition, as well as the judicial affidavits, must be verified or executed under oath. This can be done through apostille. The documents can also be notarized and authenticated (“red ribbon”) at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate. The entire set of documents is then sent to the Philippines, then filed in court.
The filing of the case is different from presenting evidence to support the case. Statement of facts stated in the petition and documents attached to the petition do not prove themselves in court. A witness has to confirm the judicial affidavit and identify the documents/exhibits. Click the appropriate link to see the extended discussion of the procedures:
| Procedure in Annulment/ Declaration of Nullity | Procedure in Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decree | Procedure in Legal Separation |
- Extension of Filing Periods and Suspension of Hearings for March 29 to April 4, 2021: SC Administrative Circular No. 14-2021 (Full Text) - March 28, 2021
- ECQ Bubble for NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal: Resolution No. 106-A (Full Text) - March 27, 2021
- Guidelines on the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplaces (Labor Advisory No. 3) - March 12, 2021
Hillo pi ma’am and sir.. gusto ko po mag file Ng annulment while Nan dito ako sa Saudi Riyadh.. ano po dapat Kong gawin..
I am an ofw… How to void my marriage ?
Dear,
Good afternoon, Gusto ko po sana tanungin kong anu dapat gawin hiwalay n po kami ng asawa ko 9 years this coming May 13, 2021 at my kinakasama na po sya. Gusto kona po sana mapa walang bisa ung kasal po namin. kinasal po kami sa mayor that time i was 19 years old, the reason po kami nagpakasal kc para s binyag ng anak nmin po. please help me para mapa walang bisa na po ang kasal namin..
Good day, I’m an OFW and I’m facing difficult relationship wit my husband, I want to file an annulment, Pls I need help. thanks
good day po
asking for help also isa din po ako sa ofw na nagtratrabaho sa iban bansa gaya din ng ibang nagtratrabaho sa iban ay hiwalay nadin po ako sa asawa ng 10 years at sa ngayon may sariling kinakasama na po siya at may anak nadin po yun asawa ko gusto ko din sana magfile ng petitions para mavoid nadin yun kasal namin
Hi im dennis. Working here at nz. I realy want to file annulment. Ano po ba dapat at unang gawin. Salamat po
My finance from the Philippine she OFW can she file for annulment mean while she is abroad…
thank you
Hi Atty.
May I know further regarding annulment while working abroad (Middle East)?
Referring to Japanese and Filipina marriage in Philippines.
9 years now no contact with her husband and no communication after marriage.