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.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Abandonment, Infidelity, and the Cabutaje Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for psychological incapacity in the Cabutaje case, addressing abandonment, infidelity, and expert testimony.
Psychological Incapacity After Marriage: The Boado Ruling on Article 36 Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity can void a marriage, even if it manifests years after the wedding ceremony.
Conjugal Property Presumptions: Protecting Separate Assets from a Spouse's Debts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects separate property from a spouse's debts and what evidence overcomes the conjugal presumption.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
Proving Filiation for Inheritance: Delayed Birth Registration in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how delayed birth registrations and other evidence establish filiation for inheritance claims in the Philippines.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
Child Custody in the Philippines: The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Philippine courts decide child custody disputes by one standard: the child's best interest. Learn the factors, the law, and a landmark 2024 ruling.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Psychological Incapacity After Tan-Andal: The Laroco Ruling Explained
Understand how the Supreme Court's Laroco ruling applies the Tan-Andal framework on psychological incapacity, shifting focus to mutual incompatibility.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Santos-Macabata Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the high burden of proof for nullifying marriage on grounds of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
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.
Foreign Spouses Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Ruling
Foreign spouses married in the Philippines have legal standing to file for nullity of marriage, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Ambrose v. Suque-Ambrose.
Protecting Conjugal Property from a Spouse’s Personal Debts: Cordova v. Ty Explained
Can creditors seize conjugal property for one spouse’s personal debt? The Supreme Court’s ruling in Cordova v. Ty explains the limits.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Proving Legitimate Filiation: Key to Winning Philippine Inheritance Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bernardo v. Fernando clarifies what evidence proves legitimate filiation for inheritance claims.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Can Pathological Gambling Nullify a Marriage? The Singson Ruling on Psychological Incapacity
The Supreme Court in Singson v. Singson clarifies when pathological gambling can—and cannot—nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.