Legal Insights

Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.

Showing 25–33 of 33 articles for “family code”

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Dec 10, 2017 filiation inheritance family code illegitimate children supreme court

Proving Filiation After Death: The Strict Rules on Inheritance Claims

Philippine law sets strict evidence rules for proving filiation after a parent's death. Learn what the Supreme Court requires in inheritance disputes.

Jun 18, 2017 conjugal property family code property law spousal consent void contracts

Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void

Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.

Oct 7, 2014 family law annulment of judgment presumptive death extrinsic fraud family code

Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations

When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.

Mar 29, 2011 bigamy family code void marriage muslim personal laws declaration of nullity family law

Bigamy in the Philippines: When a Second Marriage Is Void From the Start

Philippine law voids any second marriage contracted while a prior civil marriage subsists. Learn the rules, limits of Muslim divorce, and who may sue.

Mar 20, 2011 co-ownership unmarried couples family code property law lacbayan v samoy

Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership

Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.

Oct 13, 2005 family home creditors execution family code exemption philippine law

Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines

The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.

Jun 14, 2000 birth certificate filiation inheritance family code supreme court

Canceling a Fictitious Birth Certificate: The Babiera v. Catotal Ruling

When can a birth certificate be canceled as fictitious? The Supreme Court explains in Babiera v. Catotal.

Jul 27, 1997 cohabitation property ownership family code inheritance agapay v. palang

Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines

Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.

Jul 18, 1996 marriage solemnization family code presumptive death judicial jurisdiction family law

Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules

Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.