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.
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Invalid Extrajudicial Partition: Imprescriptibility of Actions to Annul
An invalid extrajudicial partition that excludes a compulsory heir transmits no rights; actions to annul it do not prescribe.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Why Heirs' Consent Matters in Estate Partition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' inheritance rights in estate partition, and why an administrator's failure to follow the decedent's will amounts to extrinsic fraud.
Prescription Prevails: Acquiring Ownership Despite Shared Inheritance
When a co-heir openly claims inherited land as their own for decades, prescription can defeat the right to partition.
Partition of Property and Co-Ownership Claims in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ejectment cases handle co-ownership claims and Torrens title holders' right to possession.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets in Partition Disputes
When a sequestered corporation's property shrinks in a partition case, the Sandiganbayan—not ordinary courts—has jurisdiction to protect it.
Partition Ends Co-Ownership: Mortgage on Divided Property Valid
Supreme Court rules that a deed of partial partition ends co-ownership, making a subsequent mortgage on an adjudicated property valid without other heirs' consent.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: Clarifying Rights and Remedies in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that any co-owner may file ejectment against occupants by mere tolerance, even before partition.
Future Inheritance vs Present Rights: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on partition inter vivos, future inheritance, and validity of property transfers among heirs.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
When Can Heirs Sue for Partition: Co-Ownership Rules in Inheritance Disputes
Learn when heirs can demand partition of inherited property, the rules on co-ownership, and how Philippine courts resolve inheritance disputes.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Partition Cases: When a Separate Nullity Suit Is Barred
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a separate action to nullify a deed of sale is barred by forum shopping when the same issue can be resolved in a pending partition case.
Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.
Co-Ownership Rights: Possession and Rent Obligations Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owner rights to possession and rent before partition, citing Civil Code provisions in De Guia v. Abejo.
Proving Fraud or Undue Influence in Donations: Heirs of Sevilla v. Sevilla
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to void a donation for fraud or undue influence, and when a deed of partition is void.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Extrajudicial Settlements and Adopted Children's Inheritance: Lessons from Pedrosa v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when extrajudicial settlements bind adopted heirs and how prescription periods apply to fraudulent partitions.
When a Co-Owner Sells a Definite Portion: Rights of Buyers and the Limits of Torrens Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership sales, partial partition by long possession, and reconveyance despite Torrens title.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Partitioning Property Enforcing Court Orders AND Avoiding Delays
Learn how Philippine courts handle property partition when parties ignore orders, and why timing matters in certiorari petitions.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.