Marry in Philippines? Or bring in as Fiance'. Need help. New to this.

[Artisan 138]

Couldn't I have either my Fiance' or her family pick up the Affidavit of Freedom to marry? Or is it available online? Is the family planning seminar done before or after the marriage or application process? Lastly, what is CENOMAR?

Once again, thank you for your help =))

The Affidavit is for you. To marry in the Philippines you have to prove you have no prior marriages or are a divorced foreigner and free to marry. (In case you were unaware, divorce is illegal in the Philippines, the only divorced Filipinos are those that have married foreigners and obtained divorces overseas.) Since the US does not have a centralized database that maintains those records you will have to appear before a US Embassy consul with your divorce decree and swear, in person, that you are free to marry (this will cost you a fee as well). They will then give you a notarized affidavit that is the equivalent of the CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) that every Filipino must have in order to obtain a marriage license.

The family planning seminar is required in order to apply for the license. You usually attend the seminar the morning of the day you apply for the marriage license. There is no (legal) way to avoid the 10 day wait for the license.

Please do not hesitate to ask any more questions.