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 in Marriage: Defining Utter Insensitivity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable personality disorders, not mere emotional immaturity or irresponsibility.
State Participation in Marriage Nullity Cases: Protecting the Inviolability of Marriage
The Supreme Court remands a nullity case for retrial because the State failed to actively participate, underscoring marriage's inviolable nature.
THE States Duty IN Marriage Nullity Cases Preventing Collusion AND Ensuring Justice
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined P20,000 for Solemnizing Bigamous Marriage
A judge who solemnized a bigamous marriage despite knowing of the prior subsisting marriage was fined P20,000 for gross ignorance of the law.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Why Expert Evidence Is Essential
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires expert medical evidence, not just proof of bad behavior.
Void Marriages and Inheritance Rights: Determining Legal Heirs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void marriages, death benefits, and who qualifies as legal heirs under the Family Code.
When a Judicial Decree of Nullity Is Not Required for Remarriage Under the Civil Code
The Supreme Court explains when a void first marriage needs no judicial declaration before a second marriage, under the Civil Code regime.
Proving Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: Key Insights from Marcos v. Marcos
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity justifies marriage annulment, and why a medical exam is not always required.
Muslim Marriages Before the Muslim Code: Property Regime and Estate Settlement
Supreme Court clarifies which law governs property relations in Muslim marriages contracted before the Muslim Code, remanding estate case for further proceedings.
Bigamy in the Philippines: Why a Court Declaration Is Needed Even for Void Marriages
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of nullity is required before remarriage, even if the first marriage is void.
When a Nullity Case Is Not a Prejudicial Question in Concubinage Prosecutions
A nullity of marriage case does not automatically suspend a concubinage prosecution. The Supreme Court explains why.
Marriage Nullity Absence OF Marriage License Voids Union
A marriage celebrated without a license is void from the beginning, even if the issue is raised only on appeal.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
When a Title Isn't Truth: Challenging Property Co-Ownership Claims in the Face of Prior Marriage
A Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens titles can be overturned when property was acquired during a subsisting first marriage.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Judicial Overreach: When a Judge Solemnizes Marriage Outside Jurisdiction
A judge who solemnized a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction and failed to register it was fined P5,000. Learn the rules.
Proving Psychological Incapacity for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: The Hernandez Case
Learn how the Supreme Court in Hernandez v. Hernandez clarified what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment.
Breach of Lawyer's Oath: Disbarment for Immoral Conduct and Bigamy in the Philippines
A lawyer's illicit affair and bigamous marriage led to disbarment, showing that private misconduct can end a legal career.
Proving Marriage and Filiation in the Philippines When Documents Are Missing
How Philippine courts allow proof of marriage and filiation through witnesses, baptismal certificates, and other evidence when official records are lost.
Unraveling Property Rights in Void Marriages: A Philippine Legal Guide
Understand how Philippine law treats property relations in void marriages, including rights of spouses and heirs, and practical implications.
Conjugal Property vs Exclusive Property: What Philippine Law Says
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal property from exclusive property, and why inherited assets stay separate even during marriage.
Can Employers Ban Marriage? The Illegality of Anti-Marriage Policies in the Philippines
Philippine law bans anti-marriage policies for women. Learn the rules, the PT&T case, and what to do if dismissed for getting married.
Establishing Legal Marriage and Legitimacy in Inheritance Disputes: Balogbog v. Court of Appeals
How Philippine courts presume marriage and legitimacy in inheritance disputes, and what evidence can prove filiation when records are lost.