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How to get Married in the Dominican Republic

Last activity 16 June 2024 by copescloud

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countingdaze

This thread seems as good as any to ask the following.  My plan is, after moving to the DR and meeting a potential mate, to keep my financial net worth to myself, permanently.  I thought I would make it clear early in the relationship that I have absolutely no interest in discussing money beyond monthly living expenses, but to assure her that they will be handled.  Beyond monthly needs I would keep my assets in my home country.  I don't ever plan on owning property in the DR so my modest net worth would remain a mystery.  My impression is that spouses want to be very involved in finances in some other places around the world.  Is it realistic to think that these would be acceptable terms to most Dominican women?  I realize I may be asking for a generalization that's rather broad, but any thoughts would be appreciated.

planner

They will accept whatever you are offering..... in the beginning!!!! After that everything is up for negotiation!  :D

countingdaze

:lol:

classygringo

Counting Daze, good idea about keeping everything confidential you have to be careful because you never know if they try to set you up if they found out you had money, not that they are all like that but some are so take care in that regard. I'm not a lawyer so this is not legal advice however, As to keeping your money in your country I too thought that's all I had to do however I spoke to several lawyers in the country I am from and they stated that getting divorced in another country could indeed but your assets at risk in your home country. Of course you're future ex spouse would have to spend money on a lawyer etc to go after your assets in a divorce decree and it may turn into a costly process for her so the whole thing may be a moot point anyway. However, just to sleep a little better at night one may find the prenup may kill any possibility of that being an issue. The conclusion I came to was as I understand it that Dominican law is getting married under a community property regime. If you are from a state that is not a community property state you may want to google California, NY , and other states to see how bad that can end.   Ergo, the need for a prenuptial agreement may be necessary.  For clarity one would need to seek advice of their own lawyer.

classygringo

planner wrote:

Tinker isn't online anymore honey


Sorry to hear that hope he is ok.

planner

Tinker lost his sight honey.

And yes a prenup is always a good idea.

countingdaze

Thanks Classy Gringo and Planner. That sounds like sage advice.

Scorpiana

So are prenups possible? According to what I’ve read the two of you can hammer out your own agreement...I vowed to never remarry without one. She has a good job, house, etc. I want none of this should it not work out so it’s advantageous for each...not sure if I just disappear how she could reach me anyway, or afford to keep up a legal pursuit...

planner

Yes it's absolutely possible and recommended!!!

classygringo

Consult with your personal attorney on this matter. I'm not an attorney nor is this legal advice. They are possible and indeed a good idea. The process here is much different than US and possibly other countries. One difference here is that it goes through a notarial process and actually states separación de bienes (so it states there is a prenup) on your marriage certificate.

classygringo

Scorpiana, international divorce law is complex but I can tell you that they can still come after your assets in another country. Rather than think if the worst case scenario hits I'll run or hide  why not just prevent that upfront and get a prenup?

DRVisitor

Do you need a prenup in each country if you plan to live in two countries - DR and second country?

Scorpiana

Thanks-prenup it is!

classygringo

I'm not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. One should seek the advice of their own lawyer.  That being said, a US court might recognize a Dominican prenup if certain conditions are met. but the reverse may not be true. The Dominican Republic may not recognize a American prenup.  In The Dominican Republic the prenuptial agreement goes through a notarial process where government offices are notified about your prenup prior to the marriage and it will state separacion de bienes (seaparation of goods or the prenup regime that you chose) on your marriage certificate. There are a several choices of prenups in DR you can go for. I prefer the  separacion de bienes regime.  If someone where to live in both places they could hire a US lawyer to help them draft it up to present to a Dominican lawyer what they want in the prenup in order to hope that the American court will recognize the prenup has validity.  However, you may have heard in the US there are many cases where prenups and postnups are not held up even when drafted by a lawyer and trying to meet certain  conditions both  a prenup and postnup can be invalidated in US courts.    International law is complex but part of it may be  1st establishing residency . Where is the coupled presumed to have residency at the time of the divorce? That may play a role in which country you would need to get divorced. Another choice would be to get a prenuptial agreement in the Dominican Republic and a Postnuptial Agreement  in the United States. Anyone considering a prenuptial agreement, postnupital agreement,  a divorce and any legal advice should seek advice from their own lawyer.  These are serious complex matters that might have devastating consequences if not executed correctly. Seek legal advice from lawyers.

planner

Nothing to do with residency but everything to do with our law here.  Our law is territorial in nature. If you are here, you are covered by our laws.   Laws or agreements elsewhere may not apply here.

If getting married and or having or planning to have  any  assets here,  get the prenup. Get the prenup here. IF worried there, get one there too.

emetz55

Just say she is your wife/esposa like a lot of dominicans do

Mkunz6580

Updating your will is also something to consider depending on your cirmstances.  If you should pass, your surviving spouse is entitled to half your assets here in the DR if you have children from a previous relationship. The children are entitled to the other half. I've heard different stories about assets you've aquired prior to the marriage. A marital home aquired prior to the marriage may be looked at different than a investment. Consult a reputable lawyer.

Karin1

We just got married in a Civil ceremony in Punta Cana (at the JCE office) in January 2021. I am Canadian and Carlos is Dominican.  Although I had to get all my documents prepared at the Dominican Consulate in Toronto, notarized, translated, certified, for a fee of about $420 usd (they only accept USD, even though we are all in Canada), I got them back and ready to go.  Not good enough.  I emailed my fiance copies of the documents, and asked Carlos to go to the JCE (the civil office) to make sure all the documents were complete.  They told him we need to have the documents APOSTILLED or apostilized.  Why does the Dominican Republic consulate in Toronto not do this and why cant they explain this to you?  They refused to talk to me, and explain it.  I suspect, they didn't know the answer, why else would they not tell me?  This is very stressful.   Finally I downloaded and translated the Spanish documents which explained, this is required to make sure the signatures on all my translated/certified documents, from the Dominican Republic consulate in Toronto,  were authentic.   Make sure the signatures are not forgeries.   And now, we need to take a trip to Santo Domingo, we were told.  That is where all the signature are stored, in a library somewhere. Then we discovered we could do this online, and this cost another $4500 pesos.  Thank you, because thats alot easier than a trip to hell driving to Santo Domingo.  Its not hell, but that's what my first trip was like to Santo Domingo.  We arrived after dark, by car, the highways have holes in the road, and  people drive with broken cars, some without lights, on the highway!  Yes  people, its not Canada or USA, where we pay alot of taxes but the roads and highways are kept safe to drive.   So when I finally arrived, we had our two witnesses with us, and we did get married, everything went well.  The official was kind.  We all wore masks.  We were allowed to take them off for one minute to hug and kiss after we were married.  And this office has air conditioning, very comfortable.  The marriage fee was another $10,000 pesos and we were told to wait an hour and then we left with our marriage certificate.   Thank you!    :heart:

2VPsoldier

I am Canadian and my wife is from the DR. We got married in Moca in a civil ceremony. We did this thinking it would help with residency - it did not (another story). But my in-laws and the brother/sister lawyers who first assisted me got it arranged and it sure as heck didn't entail all you had to go through, plus it was no where near the cost - and I paid in pesos. It was more difficult doing the church wedding 5 months later - only because of the interviews etc. But it all worked and being as the RC church is so prominent in the DR, and with my wifes family, I really wanted the validity of the church wedding - it went off great and the party after was a blast - that's when 60 or so of he friends and relatives showed up!!!

chinedup150

Hello dear how you do today please I'm looking for Visa how can I get it can you please help me out

Taedyn Facts

Visa?

planner

What kind of visa are you looking for?  Got to the residency thread and start there please.

peterjohnston887
@planner
Hi.
I hope that you are well?
Incidentally when I was completing my registration here there was no option to assign my nationality as British, so I chose Russian because my fiance is )
We were due to get married in Moscow in June however due to the war it's impossible now.
I have visited the DR on several occasions and now considering marrying and living there.
What is the cost for us to marry approximately?
Dis I read correctly that it was $20,000 for a US citizen?
What about UK/ RU?
Thanks
planner
We need to stay on topic and stop giving "unsolicited advice"  please.

No it does not cost  $20,000 US to get married -  maybe  20,000 RD which is about  US 400 bucks!  Should be the same for any expat, not based on where you are from.

To live here is a totally other issue. To do so legally you need residency.  For that go to the pinned post!
DominicanadaMike
It's not difficult to get married here but as always it depends... your circumstances, your choices etc.  I married a Dominican, albeit several years ago, but I paid for everything, licenses, wedding dresses bridesmaids dresses, food and drinks (lots of rum and beer) for 125 people, taxis,  the reception place, everything.. . $3000 USD more or less.  and I'm a gringo!  I will state one important caveat, my wife's family were fabulous.  They made all of the food, they served all of the food, bartending, did all of the decorating, they did the DJ work, the photography etc., but I couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding.  So, again...it depends.

Good luck.
planner
I think he is asking about the legals and fees to get married here. 
DominicanadaMike
It's been a while, but as I remember you will need documentation that includes your passport, statutory declaration of being single, birth certificate, and divorce certificate if applicable.  All need to be translated officially and notarized.  It's best to speak with the Judge that will marry you and ask them what they require.  I provided several documents as per the regulations and the website, at some expense only to find out the judge didn't need any of them and requested something completely different.  Thank goodness for my wife's family that have lawyers.  On boxing day, the day we were to be married, he went to Santo Domingo and got all of the documents we needed, signed authenticated etc. and was back to the Judges office in time for us to say "I do"...lol

Costs:  allow $500USD for documents and the same for licensing more or less.  These costs are by memory and are 16 years old...I don't think it has changed much but someone else might be able to confirm.
Guest2022
Civil Marriage - JCE Central Electoral Board


Service offered for couples who want to get married in a civil way.

Requirements:

Identity cards of the contracting parties.

Divorce Certificate (if they have been previously married).

Death Certificate (in the case of a widow or widower).

Birth Certificate of the spouses.

Two (2) witnesses at least. Of the witnesses, two (2) at least cannot be family or direct or collateral relatives up to the third degree inclusive of the contracting parties.

If they have children in common birth certificate (these must be previously recognized).

In the cases of minors, the minor's birth certificate, the parents' identity card, their consent, which can be granted at the time of the marriage ceremony or by means of an authentic act or duly legalized private signature, when the minor does not has reached the age of 16 and the minor has not reached the age of 15, they require a minority waiver issued by the Judge of First Instance. In the absence of the parents, consent may be granted by the grandparents. If there is disagreement between the grandfather and grandmother of the same line, the consent of the grandfather will suffice. Similarly, if there is disagreement between the two lines, the tie produces consent. In the absence of parents or grandparents or when it is impossible for them to express their will, the consent must be given by the family council.

If the couple is going to get married under the legal regime of the separation of property, it is mandatory to deliver to the Civil Status Officer the authentic act instrumented for these purposes, which must be registered and duly notified. This act must be completed prior to the celebration of the marriage.

In the case of foreigners, birth certificate, passport, if it is in Spanish and the marital status is recorded as single, the presentation of the certificate of single status is not mandatory. For other cases, proof of singleness issued by the Civil Registry of the country of origin or residence of these. This proof of declaration must be legalized by the Dominican consular authority accredited to the place where it was issued. If the document is not written in Spanish, it must be translated by a legal interpreter and legalized by the Attorney General's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In some cases the translation can be done at the same Dominican Consulate. Some Diplomatic Delegations accredited in Dominican territory receive the declaration of singleness from their citizens.

In the case of Italian citizens, the edict must not be dispensed with, and must be posted in a visible place in the Official Office three (3) days before, at least on the date on which the marriage will be celebrated. A record will be raised in this regard.

Price of the service:

Celebration of marriage in the Civil Status Office RD$ 3,000.00;
Celebration of marriage in the Official Office when the spouses are resident foreigners RD$ 3,000.00; Marriage celebration outside the Civil Status Office RD$10,000.00;
Celebration of marriage in the Official Office when one of the contracting parties is a non-resident foreigner RD$ 10,000.00;
Marriage celebration outside the Official Office when the spouses are resident foreigners RD$10,000.00; Celebration of marriage outside the Official Office when one of the contracting parties is a non-resident foreigner RD$ 15,000.00;
Marriage celebration when the spouses are non-resident foreigners RD$ 20,000.00

Costs of translation of foreign documents and authentication vary.


planner
There you go!  Thanks
Guest2022
A pre-nuptial agreement must be registered with the Civil Status Office at the JCE prior to marriage.
DominicanadaMike
I am actually getting a laugh from this thread, I'm sorry for those of you that are trying to get your stuff together and are looking for real answers.

As I said before, it depends and always, always does.  The official wording from Lennox...is a great place to start.

Some or all or none may apply.  Consult the Judge that will marry you in the DR.  If I had of listened to my fiancée at that time I would have saved several hundred dollars, but for fear I might not have what I needed I followed the "official gospel" and in the end my wife was right.  Funny how that happens...1f923.svg

Karin, I just re-read your post and that is what got me laughing.  It's all about the money...  They most certainly do all of the apostilling needed.  But in your case, (it depends) they gave you the run around.  So frustrating.

I learned that when dealing with the Toronto office, you have to think like a Canadian and act like a Dominican.  Wow what a difference that makes... My residence went like a breeze once I figured that out.

As for your actual marriage license (again going from my own experience several years ago), the license that the judge gives you is not official...yet.  Being married in Santo Domingo may make a difference but in my case I had to take the marriage license to SD with my wife and we had to go to 4-5 different offices to have it authenticated and registered.  When we finished it had 10 different stamps and\or signatures.  Be sure you have the fully registered version.
planner
That makes me smile. The amount of stamps and stupid small fees that all have to be paid in different offices makes me absolutely NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DominicanadaMike
It is what it is... C'est la vie!
Guest2022
There was a lot of corrupt behaviour going on as an article in Listin Diario today explains with the JCE civil registry and consulates. People were being overcharged for marriages and other civil services.


The fees are clear in the JCE link above. It cost me, a resident to marry a Dominican, at a registry office in Naco, SD a few years ago, about 6000 pesos as I recall  (excluding a tip to the official presiding) including all documenatation translated and authenticated. My now wife and I did it all.

Research, find the correct government information, and check what you are being charged.
Guest2022
That makes me smile. The amount of stamps and stupid small fees that all have to be paid in different offices makes me absolutely NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- @planner
My wife had a contact to translate and she understands how government offices operate so whilst it was tedious and the fees small, she was organized it all quickly.

The registrar was a delightful personality. Worth a good tip.
DRVisitor

Do we have any up to date links for above as the one few messages up does not work (Civil Marriage - JCE Central Electoral Board)



Are there certain hours and days the officiants will do a wedding in the office and out of the office?

planner

Quick google search turns up  this from the american embassy.


https://do.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se … -republic/

thehemesgroup

@planner

Hello,


I would like more Information regarding the apartment you mentioned that's available in your apartment complex.


Thank you

planner

Sorry  I am  really not sure what you are referring to. This is an old thread and likely long gone.

thehemesgroup

Ok. Thank you

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