Family

Divorce, annulment and separation: ending a marriage linked to the Philippines

Have a foreign divorce recognized, choose between nullity, annulment and legal separation, remarry without committing bigamy, and handle children, property, support complaints and your visa.

Last verified: 2026-10

Situations covered (18)

Foreign divorce recognizable: file the petition
Recognition possible, but the file is not ready
Two foreigners: your national law governs the divorce
Divorce between two Filipinos: no effect in the Philippines
A "divorce" done in the Philippines has no legal value
Divorce in your home country, then recognition in the Philippines
Declaration of nullity: a court case of 1½ to 3 years
Annulment: valid marriage with a defect, strict time limits
Legal separation: you live apart but stay married
Marriage under Muslim law: divorce under PD 1083
Children: custody, travel and support follow Philippine law
Property: land stays Filipino, money is hard to recover
VAWC complaint: risk of protection order, criminal case and travel block
13(a) visa: it ends with the marriage
Divorced foreigner: you can marry in the Philippines
Recognized and annotated divorce: your partner can remarry
Remarrying now: void marriage and bigamy risk
Church annulment only: no civil effect

ImportantEducational and methodological guide. It does not replace a consultation with a lawyer registered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). Every family case turns on its own facts and evidence; the cost figures quoted are estimates published by law firms, not official fees.

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