Legal Question in Family Law in Dominican Republic

Re: Legality of Domican Republic Divorce

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for considering our law firm, Aquino Suero & Pedersini, located in Santo Domingo city, Dominican Republic.

In connection with your question: An American living in the Mid-East has obtained a Dominican Republic divorce from a Divorce Service. There was no agreement signed by the opposing spouse to this action. Is a one-party divorce action allegedly granted by the Dominican Republic recognized by the U.S. Courts?; we're glad to inform you the following:

If an American citizen filed for a divorce before a Dominican Court, without a legitimate domicile in Dominican Republic and without a Separation Agreement duly signed by the other party before a Notary Public, and authenticated by the Dominican authorities abroad, that divorce is 100% invalid in the Dominican Republic.

Be advise that a high percentage of Dominican divorces are fraudulent, because they're filed with false documents and without complying with the due process (mutual consent separation agreement, authentication of signatures, presence of one party before the court, representation of the non-appearing party by a Dominican attorney, etc...).

In view of all the above, we ratify that in this case the divorce decree can't be recognized by U.S. Courts, and it does not have a binding or legal force by and between the parties, neither before any third party, because it is an invalid divorce in Dominican Republic.

U.S. Courts and private and public entities only recognize valid Dominican divorces, those made with real documents and with proper due process.

This opinion have been granted pursuant Dominican Republic laws, upon request of the undisclosed party, via lawguru.com, based only on the information provided and could be subject to change if the documents and legal scenario are not the same as disclosed by the inquirier.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Aquino Suero & Pedersini

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

E-mail: [email protected]

Toll Free: 1-888-662-5629