Legal Capacity

Dealing with international law in order to marry your foreign spouse is super fun. I hope you hear the sarcasm in that sentence. Actually it can be a long process with a lot of paper work. At the same time, it truly can be an interesting adventure. If you are beginning to look at all the requirements needed, it can feel overwhelming at times. The list of obstacles can feel like it will never end. There is a finish line, we promise. also when it's all done, you realize it wasn't as bad as you thought. We and many others like us are living proof.

Yet, let's start basic and easy. There is much to process when you marry your foreign spouse from the Philippines, but there is one document that is essential for the U.S citizen to get. Without it, you will not be able to marry. The document is called an Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. In order to get this document you must schedule an appointment with the U.S Embassy in Manila online. When you go to the scheduled meeting you must have your passport and 50 dollars. Plus, you want to be there a half-hour early. It was much easier to acquire than I thought.

It was easy to get when all is said and done, but It was nervous at first because two weeks before I was leaving for the Philippines there were still no available days for an appointment. if that happens, no need to get worked up. They usually do not show the appointments until near the beginning of the month. I left December 2nd, and so that's why there were no appointments available until November 22. So the week before travelling I went to the website, which I will share with you at the end, and filled out all the information. When all the information was filled out, then I prined the appointment. Make sure you bring that printed appointment with you. That's how you get into the scheduled meeting. My appointment was December 5th at 10 AM. This is the appointment summed up: You go to the Embassy, get through security, get a number, wait for it to be called, go to the window, fill out a form, swear that all the information is correct, wait 10 minutes or so, get your certificate, and then you are ready to go. It's that simple. Here is the website to get an appointment: https://evisaforms.state.gov/Instructions/ACSSchedulingSystem.asp. You go to that website, choose the country (Philippines) and Embassy (Manila), click to schedule an appointment, then choose to Request notarial and other services not listed above, fill out the info, get the appointment, print it, and bring it with you.

If you got married in the Philippines, How was your experience with this document? If you are getting married and need more info, just contact us: lovebreaksthedistance@hotmail.com.

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