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.
Legal Separation in the Philippines: Complete Guide to Grounds and Process
Learn the legal grounds for legal separation in the Philippines under the Family Code, plus the court process, effects, and practical steps.
Conjugal vs. Exclusive Property in the Philippines: What Belongs to Whom
Learn the difference between conjugal and exclusive property in the Philippines, and how ownership is determined under Philippine law.
Family Home Exemption From Execution: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies family home exemption from execution, requiring proof of actual occupancy and compliance with Family Code.
When Is a Family Home Exempt from Execution? Key Lessons from Taruc v. Maximo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family home is exempt from execution and what evidence a judgment debtor must present to claim the exemption.
Spousal Liability for Debts in the Philippines: The Zapanta Case Explained
When can one spouse be held liable for the other's debts? The Supreme Court's ruling in Zapanta v. Rustan clarifies the rules on family property liability.
Spousal Consent in Property Leases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that leases of common property without written spousal consent are void. Learn the rules and practical safeguards.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.
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.
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.