After tying the knot, one of the most important documents a couple should acquire is their marriage contract. This legal document proves that two individuals are legally married and contains important information such as the date and location of the wedding, the names of the bride and groom, and the signatures of the witnesses.
In the Philippines, the primary agency responsible for recording and issuing marriage contracts is the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA is a government agency tasked with compiling and maintaining vital statistics such as birth, death, and marriage records.
Many newlyweds may ask: How long does it take for my marriage contract to be available in PSA after my wedding? The answer to that is that it depends on various factors.
Firstly, it is essential to remember that the couple should register their marriage with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) where their wedding ceremony was held. Once the LCRO has registered the marriage, the PSA will then process the document.
The processing time for the marriage contract may vary depending on the workload of the PSA and particularly the LCRO responsible for registering the marriage. The PSA usually takes 4-6 months to release a marriage contract.
However, there is now a more convenient and faster option. Couples can now request for a copy of their marriage contract online through the PSA`s website, e-Census. Through this platform, couples can obtain a copy of their marriage contract in just a few days. The processed documents can be delivered via mail or picked up by the couple at the PSA office.
It is crucial for couples to have their marriage contract as it serves as proof of their union and may be required for various legal purposes such as applying for a passport, joint bank accounts, and government documents. Furthermore, the PSA may also provide a marriage certificate, which is a duplicate of the marriage contract and may be required for various transactions.
In conclusion, newlyweds should not delay getting a copy of their marriage contract from the PSA. While it may take a few months to acquire it via the traditional route, the e-Census service has made it easier and faster to obtain this crucial document. It is always best to be prepared, and having a copy of your marriage contract readily available can save you time and hassle in the long run.
