For many Filipinos residing abroad, the intersection of foreign divorce laws and Philippine family law creates a significant amount of confusion.
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 Critical Requirement: Judicial Recognition
To be legally considered "single" and free to remarry in the Philippines, a petition must be filed in a Philippine Regional Trial Court.
This rule stems from a landmark provision intended to prevent the "absurd" situation where a foreign spouse is free to remarry while the Filipino spouse remains tied to the marriage. 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.
Recognition Across Different Countries: Australia, Canada, and Japan
The same principles apply to other major countries.
Australian Divorce Recognition: Australian "no-fault" divorces are recognizable, but you must submit an authenticated copy of the decree and the relevant Australian law.
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: Recent Supreme Court rulings have confirmed that Japanese administrative divorces are recognizable.
Can a Filipino File for Divorce Abroad?
Yes, a Filipino can file for divorce in a foreign court. If both parties are still Filipino citizens at the time of the divorce, the Philippine government limited liability corporation generally will not recognize the decree for the purpose of remarriage.
Moving Forward
Navigating the complexities of being married in the philippines and divorced in the us (or elsewhere) requires patience and legal expertise.