Things to Consider Before Getting Married in Thailand
Before you get married in Thailand, it's a good idea to know all the legalities involved. You should hire a local expert to make sure you follow the legal requirements. You should also know the marriage registration and dissolution procedures. Thailand's legal system requires couples to follow certain religious and cultural rituals before they are legally married.
Drafting Prenuptial Agreement
Unlike the West, Thailand recognizes the right of half of a married couple to remain the sole owners of their assets. If a marriage ends, or if a spouse dies, this law is less complex. Thai immigration is more lenient, and foreigners with children are not blacklisted. A Thai wife is also free to travel the world. The western mentality has conditioned us to think of marriage as a complicated affair. However, Thai marriages are relatively stable and have fewer dark sides.
A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that specifies the finances of both parties before they get married. It is especially important for couples of different nationalities. The agreement can specify which country's law applies to each spouse in the event of divorce. If you're getting married in Thailand, it's best to hire a lawyer to draft the document for you. Your lawyer will be able to ensure that it will be recognized by Thai courts and enforceable in the event of divorce.
Registering Your Marriage at the Amphur
To register your marriage in Thailand, you must visit the local Amphur Office (Khet in Bangkok). There, you can make an appointment or bring a Thai-speaking friend or relative with you. The office will authenticate all documents before issuing a marriage certificate.
Before registering your marriage in Thailand, you must ensure that you have the proper documents. If you have previously been married, you should present proof of it. This could be in the form of divorce papers or even spousal death certificates. When you have obtained the proper paperwork and witnesses, you can register your marriage in Thailand. The office will issue you a marriage certificate in Thai, but you can also have it translated.
After submitting your documents, you will be asked to wait in a queue until your turn. When your turn comes, you will be given one day to pick up your documents or choose to have them posted. The normal time for delivery is 2 days. To make your registration as quick as possible, you should make sure to keep all your documents in an envelope and present them at the Amphur office.
Dissolution of Marriage in Thailand
In Thailand, divorce is a legal process that terminates a marriage. A divorce can either be granted by a court or by the district office of the government, called the Amphur. The Amphur has the authority to dissolve a marriage based on mutual consent. Both parties must sign a divorce agreement before the divorce process can begin.
In Thailand, a divorce can be granted only when both partners agree to it. There are certain grounds for filing for a divorce, including irreconcilable differences, incurable diseases, or physical disadvantages. In such cases, it is recommended that the couple visit the same Amphur, or registry office, where the marriage was registered.
A contested divorce is appropriate when there is disagreement over the finances and care of the children. It is also appropriate if the marriage has not been registered in Thailand. Children are settled after compulsory attendance of both parties at the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center (JOPC). The parties share marital property equally in a divorce, while property owned before the marriage remains the property of the original owner.