Philippines: help for mothers of Kopino children
Children of Filipino mothers and Korean fathers (often called Kopino) have won paternity and child-support cases in Korean courts.
Follow the 6 steps. This page adds what is specific to the Philippines. A Tagalog version of this guide is here.
What has worked
- 2014: Seoul Family Court recognized two children living in the Philippines as the sons of their Korean father.
- Later cases ordered fathers to pay monthly child support until adulthood. In one reported Seoul Family Court case, the amount was 300,000 won a month, based on living costs in the Philippines.
- Some fathers agreed to a settlement after the case was filed.
Organizations that have helped Kopino families
- We Love Kopino (WLK), a Manila-based NGO that has helped mothers bring cases in Korean courts.
- Kopino Children Association, which runs education and shelter programs.
- The Korean Embassy in Manila, consular section, for questions about acknowledgment and nationality paperwork.
We list organizations for information only and are not paid by or affiliated with them. Contact them through their official pages.
Documents to prepare
- PSA birth certificate of your child, and an English or Korean translation if requested
- Your passport or government ID
- Evidence from step 1
- If needed later: a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) for nationality paperwork
Old "Kopino father" blogs posted photos and names of men. Do not copy that. It can expose you to defamation claims and does not create a legal duty to pay. A court case does.