Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Divorce Initiated by Filipinos Abroad: Recognizing Foreign Divorce Decrees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino spouses can obtain and seek recognition of foreign divorce decrees, reversing a lower court ruling.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Navigating Foreign Judgments and Civil Status Changes
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure for recognizing foreign divorce decrees and changing civil status in the Philippines.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Unlocking the Path to Remarriage: How Philippine Courts Handle Foreign Divorce Decrees
The Supreme Court clarifies when Filipino spouses in mixed marriages may remarry after a foreign divorce, and why courts relax procedural rules for substantial justice.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Divorce Abroad: Clarifying the Scope of Recognition and Remarriage for Filipinos
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce decree is recognized in the Philippines and how a Filipino spouse may remarry.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof Required
A foreign divorce decree does not automatically dissolve a marriage in the Philippines. Learn what proof is required to avoid bigamy conviction.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
Recognizing Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: Proving the Alien Spouse’s National Law
Philippine courts require proof of both the foreign divorce decree and the alien spouse's national law. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court case.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Good Faith in Bigamy: Limits of the Defense and Judicial Accountability
Bigamy requires criminal intent, but good faith has limits. A judge who acquitted based on a foreign divorce decree was fined for gross ignorance of the law.
Divorce Recognition Proving Legal Capacity To Remarry After A Foreign Divorce
Philippine courts do not take judicial notice of foreign laws and divorce decrees. Both must be proven, or a second marriage may be void.