⌛ Marrying a Filipina outside of the Phil

I recently learned about how hard and long getting a separation can be in the Philippines. I am not married yet to a Filipina, but in case I do decide to go through with it, I am considering getting married in Bangkok or Hong Kong instead of the Phil. That way, in case things don't work out, my Filipina does not have to wait many years to marry again. The last thing I want to do is bring more pain to her life any more than a divorce/seperation would already do.

In Thailand, for example, as long as the divorce is of mutual consent, it could be done in a day or two (as opposed to YEARS in the Phil).

Has anybody else done this or heard about this alternative approach?
Just wondering.....

I would hate to enter into a marriage already planning a safe divorce, but from my own experience, S**T happens.

 

With all due respect, and I certainly am not trying to be a smart @ss, but wouldn't it be easier just to make sure that you are getting married to "the right one"?

In another country, you have to deal with nationalities, clearances, permissions etc. Plus the validity of a foreign marriage and/or a foreign divorce.

 

Without trying to get too poetic here, it's been said men are like the sun - more or less consistent and predictable personality-wise. Women are more like the moon, always changing, in flux, never quite predictable and steady. I do love the one I'm with, but just am cautious by nature.

This was my previous experience with a woman:
Dating years - woman has personality 1
Engagement - same woman with personality 2
Marriage - same woman with personality 3
Marriage with children - same woman with personality 4
ETC....

Perhaps personality is not an accurate term for what changes in woman, but its more like the entire dynamic of how the woman related to me seemed to change with every new stage in life.

Most of the greatest philosophers in history have concluded that a woman is one of the greatest mysteries that have yet to be solved.

The paperwork hassle today may just turn out to be a blessing later on if things change. Plus I am actually looking to do some 'damage control' for her if things don't work out down the line...

 

A: Most countries require residence for a period of time before you can marry there, unless you are marrying someone from that country.

B: If you divorce here from abroad, she can remarry. From the family code, article 26;

Where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall have capacity to remarry under Philippine law. (As amended by Executive Order 227)

Now, doesn't that make more sense?

Another note worth mentioning, unless you report the marriage to NSO, they will never know.

Larry

 

She IS a Filipina so all her papers/documents needed for your marriage must be still coming from the PI and all must still be legalised in the PI - so marry her in the PI to avoid double papper work!

No worries, I myself was married in the PI and my ex asked for divorce outside the PI, and oh, it is not that hard. Check the websites of embassies of both your countries of origin.

Good Luck!

 

My Hong Kong experience was very good. All the procedures by email, then by mail all papers. It takes up to a month to collect and legalize them, then they arrange for the dates and off you go..

To the City Hall they ask for 2 witnesses. You go to the library, 1st floor, and plenty of people to accompany you to the ceremony hall.

 

Good info guys. Thanks! Just want to cover my ground safely. A 7-year court battle on my first marriage was enough to make anyone never want to marry again. Just looking to be safe if there is another time around.

 

I would suggest you spend some time reading the family code;

THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES - FULL TEXT - CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY

It will be time well spent for anyone planning to marry here.

Larry

 

Thanks Shadow. Good and thorough info.

If I got married outside the Phil and returned - Is there a link to info on my new VISA status and its "benefits"?

 

There is no automatic change in visa status. If you enter with your wife, you are eligible for the balikbayan program, which allows you one year free stay, extendable for one year (fees apply for additional year).

You can also apply for a 13A resident visa;

The Bureau of Immigration, Philippines Official Website - IMMIGRANTS

Once obtained, there is no requirement to leave the country periodically, and fees are very low, as in P310 per year plus I-card.

Larry