The legal landscape of marriage and its dissolution for Filipinos living overseas is often complex and filled with questions.
One of the most frequent queries involves a divorce in US but married in the Philippines. However, it is a common misconception that a foreign divorce decree is instantly recognized by Philippine authorities.
The Process of Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce
If you were married in the philippines and divorced in the us, you must undergo a specific legal process called Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce.
The legal basis for this is found in the second paragraph of Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines. Modern jurisprudence, specifically the Republic v. Manalo case, has clarified that even if the Filipino spouse initiates the divorce, it can still be recognized—provided one of the spouses was a foreign national at the time the divorce was granted.
Specific Cases: Australia, Canada, and Japan
This legal framework isn't limited to American decrees.
Divorce in australia recognized in philippines : A divorce in australia recognized in philippines follows the same judicial path.
Divorce in canada recognized in philippines : Similarly, a divorce in canada recognized in philippines requires the petitioner to present the Canadian Divorce Act as evidence.
Japanese Divorce Recognition: A divorce in japan recognized in philippines can include "divorce by mutual agreement" (Kyogi Rikon).
Rights of Filipinos to Initiate Divorce Overseas
Many wonder, "can a filipino file divorce abroad and have it be valid?" However, for that divorce to be recognized in the Philippines, at least one of the spouses must have been a foreign citizen (or a naturalized citizen of that foreign country) at the time the divorce was finalized.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the complexities of being married in the philippines and divorced in limited liability company the us (or elsewhere) requires patience and legal expertise.