One of the first questions Filipinos ask is, 'Magkano ang annulment?' (How much is annulment?).
The answer is not fixed — costs vary widely based on lawyer's reputation, court location, complexity, and whether your spouse cooperates.
This article provides a realistic, line-by-line fee breakdown for 2025-2026.
Average Total Cost Range
For an uncontested, straightforward psychological incapacity case (Article 36), expect to pay between ₱250,000 and ₱500,000.
For contested cases or those requiring publication (missing spouse), costs can exceed ₱800,000 to ₱1,000,000.
Pro tip: Beware of lawyers advertising 'all-in packages' for ₱80,000-₱150,000. These often exclude psychological fees, publication costs, and sheriff fees — you will pay much more later.
Complete Fee Breakdown
1. Lawyer's Professional Fees (50-70% of total)
- Acceptance fee: ₱50,000 – ₱150,000 (non-refundable retainer).
- Appearance fee per hearing: ₱5,000 – ₱10,000 (average 6-15 hearings).
- Preparation of pleadings (petition, affidavits, memoranda): ₱30,000 – ₱80,000.
- Success fee (additional after favorable decision): ₱50,000 – ₱150,000 (some lawyers include this in the package).
2. Court Fees (Filing & Sheriff)
- Filing fee (docket fee): ₱5,000 – ₱15,000 (based on property settlement value; can be higher if you own assets).
- Sheriff's service fee (summons, notices): ₱1,000 – ₱3,000.
- Judicial affidavit fee (per witness): ₱500 – ₱1,000 per witness.
3. Psychological Evaluation (Critical for Art. 36)
- Initial psychological assessment (for the petitioner): ₱15,000 – ₱30,000.
- Psychological evaluation of respondent (if required by court): ₱15,000 – ₱30,000.
- Court-appointed psychologist fee (sometimes additional): ₱10,000 – ₱25,000.
- Expert testimony fee (psychologist appears in court): ₱10,000 – ₱20,000 per appearance.
4. Publication Costs (if spouse is missing or location unknown)
- Newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Philippine Star, Inquirer): ₱15,000 – ₱40,000 for 3 weekly publications.
- Sheriff's verification of address: ₱1,000 – ₱2,000.
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
- Document gathering (PSA marriage, birth certificates, CENOMAR): ₱500 – ₱1,500.
- Notarization fees: ₱500 – ₱2,000 total.
- Transcript of stenographic notes (per hearing): ₱300 – ₱1,000.
- Transportation and meals for court hearings (yours and witnesses): Variable, ₱1,000 – ₱5,000 total.
Sample Scenario: Uncontested Art. 36 Case (with spouse cooperating)
- Lawyer's acceptance & pleadings: ₱120,000
- Per hearing appearance (8 hearings @ ₱7,000): ₱56,000
- Psychological evaluation (petitioner only): ₱20,000
- Court filing fees: ₱8,000
- Sheriff & misc. fees: ₱5,000
- Total: ₱209,000 (plus success fee of ₱50,000 = ₱259,000)
Important: No lawyer can guarantee a 'fixed price' because court timelines vary. Some cases resolve in 1 year (few hearings), others drag for 3+ years (more appearances = higher fees).
How to Reduce Costs
- Ask for a staggered payment plan (many lawyers accept installment).
- Coordinate with your spouse to avoid contested hearings (no objection = faster, cheaper).
- Use a Public Attorney's Office (PAO) if your gross income is below ₱300,000/year (free legal service, but wait times are long and PAO cannot handle all case types).
- Consider 'mediation' or 'collaborative law' to agree on property and child custody outside court.
In summary, budget at least ₱300,000 for a basic annulment. For a complex missing-spouse case, budget ₱700,000 or more.
Always get a written fee agreement before signing a contract with your lawyer.