2nd blog


From Vows to Verdict:  A Walk Through the Civil Annulment Process



It all started on a fateful day in October 2000, when I walked down the aisle with dreams of a blissful future. But life, in its unpredictable ways, had other plans. Out of respect for my ex-husband, who cannot respond to this blog, I won’t delve into the specific reasons behind my decision to file for annulment. Despite the heartaches and tears, I refuse to see those 18 years as wasted. Every trial was a test of faith, courage, perseverance, and self-love. Over time, I gathered the fragments of my shattered dreams and carved out a new direction. All is not lost; I have emerged stronger—and ready to begin again.


Right after our marriage, my relationship with my husband became turbulent and rocky. Almost every day, we found ourselves embroiled in arguments. If my memory serves me right, it wasn't until 2016—sixteen years after our wedding—that I finally decided to file for civil annulment. For the longest time, I lived in denial, struggling to accept that my marriage had become another closed chapter. Whose fault was it? I’ve always believed in the saying, “It takes two to tango.” We both had our share of shortcomings. This truth echoed clearly in the results of my psychological evaluation, which I underwent alone. Had I answered insincerely, the results would have painted a different picture.


Eventually, I sought legal advice. I vividly recall inviting my late father’s law partner to lunch at Café Ysabel. Over a simple meal, I shared my story and intentions. She explained the legal landscape—the timeline, the emotional toll, the filing fees, and the costs I’d need to shoulder. I didn’t flinch. At that point, I thought I had already lost 16 years. I wasn’t about to lose my courage, too.

📝 The Legal Process I Took

In a nutshell, here are the steps I went through:

  1. Consulting a Lawyer – My first step was to seek a competent and trustworthy annulment lawyer who explained the applicable legal grounds—specifically, psychological incapacity—and helped me understand the process.

  2. Psychological Evaluation – I underwent a psychological assessment. I initially assumed it was just a series of questions, but it turned out to include drawing exercises and personality profiling. While a psychological report can strengthen a case, current jurisprudence (notably Tan-Andal v. Andal, 2021) no longer requires expert testimony. Courts may now grant annulments based on psychological incapacity without a psychologist’s written or oral testimony, so long as other evidence clearly and convincingly proves the condition.

  3. Filing the Petition – My lawyer prepared and filed the petition for declaration of nullity in the appropriate court. This included paying the standard filing fees.

  4. Collusion Investigation – After filing, the prosecutor conducted a collusion investigation to ensure there was no conspiracy between me and my ex-husband to fabricate the case.

  5. Trial – This was the most emotional part. I testified, submitted documentary evidence, and attended hearings. My ex-husband, although he submitted an answer, did not personally appear in court.

  6. Judgment – The waiting was grueling, but when the court finally issued a favorable decision, I cried with gratitude. My private prayer to God had always been simple: “Lord, give me another chance to be free.”

  7. Finality & Registration – Once the decision became final (after 15 days), I secured a Certificate of Finality. My lawyer then facilitated the registration of the annulment decision with the Local Civil Registrar and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to officially update my civil status.

💰 The Costs (Then and Now)

When people ask how much I spent, the honest answer is: a lot. But I was fortunate—my lawyer, being my late father’s law partner, gave me a generous discount. I spent around ₱250,000, all in. Today, though, costs can vary widely depending on your case’s complexity, your lawyer’s rates, and where you file.

Here are current estimates as of mid-2025:

  • Attorney’s Fees: ₱250,000 to ₱600,000

  • Psychological Evaluation: ₱30,000 to ₱100,000

  • Filing Fees: ₱4,000 to ₱5,000

  • Miscellaneous (publication, clearances, etc.): ₱20,000 to ₱40,000

⚖️ The Legal Grounds for Civil Annulment

Under Article 45 of the Family Code of the Philippines, annulment may be granted based on these grounds:

  1. Lack of parental consent (if either party was 18–21 years old and didn’t get parental approval)

  2. Unsound mind at the time of marriage

  3. Fraud (deception about important facts such as identity, chastity, pregnancy, etc.)

  4. Force, intimidation, or undue influence

  5. Physical incapacity to consummate the marriage (must be incurable)

  6. Serious, incurable sexually transmitted disease present at the time of marriage

My annulment was granted on the ground of psychological incapacity—in reference to my ex-husband’s inability to fulfill the essential obligations of marriage. It was not a mutual diagnosis, and it does not define who I am or what I may become in future relationships.

❤️ Final Thoughts

I share this not to encourage others to give up when marriage gets difficult. On the contrary, I urge you to pray deeply, seek counseling, and exhaust all efforts to heal. But if you've given everything and still find yourself stuck in emotional and spiritual anguish, remember: there is no shame in choosing peace over permanence.

As a Catholic woman, I speak from a place of faith. Though I deeply respect people from all walks of life and belief systems, I offer this story as a reminder: marriage is sacred. Think long and hard before making the vow—and know that if that vow becomes a burden too heavy to bear, there are lawful and moral ways to find freedom and healing.

If you’re going through the same journey and need someone to talk to or a recommendation for legal help, feel free to send me a message. I will gladly support you in any way I can.

Warmly,

Beth

 


 

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