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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Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Void Marriages NO Shortcuts TO Nullity Ensuring DUE Process AND State Protection IN Annulment Cases
Psychological Incapacity and Conjugal Property: Understanding Marital Obligations and Asset Division in Philip
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity voids a marriage and how conjugal assets are divided, using Laurena v. Court of Appeals.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Outside Marriage
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Void Marriage: Falsifying Cohabitation to Bypass Marriage License Requirements
Supreme Court rules a false affidavit of five-year cohabitation cannot replace a marriage license, making the marriage void.
Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Who Can Nullify a Bigamous Marriage? The Supreme Court's Answer
The Supreme Court rules that only the aggrieved or injured innocent spouse may petition to nullify a bigamous marriage—not the guilty party.
Judicial Due Process When Haste Makes Waste in Nullity Cases
Two judges fined for gross ignorance of procedure after rushing a marriage nullity case, depriving the husband of due process.
Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage Nullity: Burden of Proof and Evidence Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity evidence rules under Article 36 Family Code, including burden of proof and expert testimony requirements.
When a Lawyer's Second Marriage Becomes a Professional Misconduct Case
A municipal legal officer faces suspension for contracting a second marriage while his first remained valid, highlighting lawyers' duty to know the law.
Upholding Ethical Standards: One-Year Suspension for Lawyer's Bigamous Marriage
A municipal legal officer's second marriage while his first subsists violates lawyer ethics. The Supreme Court explains why.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Persistent Lying As Psychological Incapacity Understanding Grounds For Marriage Nullity In The Philippines
Explore how persistent lying may constitute psychological incapacity under Philippine law, affecting marriage nullity cases and legal remedies.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage: Understanding the Limits of Irresponsibility as Grounds for A
The Supreme Court clarifies that joblessness, drug use, and irresponsibility do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Divorce and Remarriage in the Philippines: Validity and Legal Capacity Explained
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry, and how courts determine legal capacity and estate venue.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Divorce Abroad and Remarriage in the Philippines: Legal Standing in Bigamy Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge a bigamous marriage when a foreign divorce is involved, and what evidence is required.
Divorce Abroad and Remarrying in the Philippines After a Spouse's Foreign Naturalization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on divorce abroad, foreign naturalization, and remarriage in the Philippines under the Family Code.
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
Vitiated Consent in Marriage: Duress, Intimidation, and the Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what proves duress or intimidation in marriage annulment cases and the damages that follow.
Bigamy and Expired Notarial Commission: When a Lawyer’s Private Life Triggers Discipline
A lawyer’s bigamous second marriage and notarizing without a commission led to a four-year suspension. Here’s what the Court ruled.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.