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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Concubinage Beyond the Conjugal Home: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarifies that cohabitation in any place, not just the conjugal home, can constitute concubinage under Philippine law.
Unmarried Cohabitation Establishing Property Rights In Long Term Illicit Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that long-term illicit cohabitation can establish co-ownership rights under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Judicial Misconduct Lessons from a Case of Immorality and Absenteeism
A retired judge's continued cohabitation with his mistress led to disbarment. Learn the ethical standards lawyers must uphold.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Actual Contributions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in adulterous cohabitation, only actual joint contributions create co-ownership of property.
Judges Cannot Notarize Cohabitation Affidavits for Marriages They Solemnize
Supreme Court rules MTC judges may not notarize affidavits of cohabitation for marriages they solemnize, citing Circular 1-90.
Marital Cohabitation and Consensual Acts: Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when cohabitation does not imply consent, and how rape and acts of lasciviousness are distinguished in Philippine criminal law.
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.
Cohabitation and Ethical Standards: Defining Immorality in the Judiciary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when cohabitation by court employees amounts to grossly immoral conduct warranting administrative discipline.
Unmarried Cohabitation: Proving Joint Contribution for Property Co-Ownership
A common-law partner married to another must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property; mere allegation is not enough.
Unmarried Cohabitation and Property Rights in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how Philippine law treats property acquired during unmarried cohabitation, including co-ownership rules, judicial separation, and practical legal tips.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.
When a Donation to a Common-Law Spouse Is Void Under Article 87 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains when a donation to a common-law spouse is void under Article 87 of the Family Code, and what evidence proves cohabitation.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability and Third Party Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on spousal consortium, habeas corpus, and the limits of court-ordered cohabitation under the Family Code.
Cohabitation and Property Rights: When Co-Ownership Arises Under the Family Code
Mere cohabitation does not create co-ownership. Under Article 148 of the Family Code, actual contribution to acquisition is required.
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.