Public warned vs. online annulment scam

A legal expert on Tuesday warned the public against “quick annulment” scams that promise the quick voiding of a marriage without appearing before a court. 

In Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras”, lawyer Bernice Joana Piñol said the legitimate annulment process takes anywhere from at least one to two years- considered fast- to up to five years.

“‘Yung mga nagpa-promise ng one to two months tapos na? That’s definitely a red flag,” said Piñol.

(If they promised that it would be finished in one to two months, that’s a red flag.)

“Number 2 na red flag is if it’s too cheap. If it’s less than P100,000, it is most likely a scam. The reason na it is mahal is because lawyers go through so much preparation so much has to be done para successful ang annulment petition mo,” she explained. 

(Second is if it is too cheap. If it’s less than P100,000, it is most likely a scam. The reason why it is expensive is because lawyers go through so much preparation so much has to be done to ensure your annulment petition will be successful.)

To determine if a lawyer is legitimate, the Supreme Court has a database of all practicing lawyers in the Philippines. Petitioners can also check their online presence, particularly on social media.

Piñol also said the annulment process costs around P180,000 in provinces and at least P250,000 to P600,00 in Metro Manila.

Among those who fall victim to scammers are Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFWs) who wish to have an annulment without appearing before a court.

But according to the family lawyer, OFWs must still appear during annulment proceedings via video conferences to be conducted at consulate offices or embassies.

“If sinabi na non-appearance, you don't have to worry about it, that’s absolutely a red flag right there. Hindi yan legit na lawyer ang kausap mo,” Piñol said.

(If they said that you don’t have to worry about appearing before a court, that’s a red flag right there. You are not talking to a legit lawyer.) —RF, GMA Integrated News