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 and Declaration of Nullity of Marriage in the Philippines
Learn what psychological incapacity means for annulment in the Philippines, the legal basis, and the process to declare a marriage void.
Annulment vs. Legal Separation in the Philippines: What's the Difference?
Understand the key differences between annulment and legal separation in the Philippines, including grounds, effects on marriage, and legal procedures.
Annulment Grounds in the Philippines Under the Family Code: A Complete Guide
Learn the legal grounds for annulment in the Philippines under the Family Code, including void marriages, psychological incapacity, and the filing process.
Second Marriages Validity Hinges ON Proof OF Dissolution OF THE First
Supreme Court rules a marriage certificate alone cannot prove bigamy; the prior marriage must be shown to still subsist.
Psychological Incapacity and the Value of Expert Reports in Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a psychological report can prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Who Can Annul a Bigamous Marriage in the Philippines? SC Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the aggrieved or injured innocent spouse may petition to nullify a bigamous marriage—not the guilty party.
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.
Psychological Incapacity: Abandonment and Absence as Evidence in Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that decades of unjustified absence from the marital home can be considered part of the totality of evidence of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Conjugal Property Disputes Proving Acquisition During Marriage IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the presumption of conjugal property applies—and why registration alone does not prove acquisition during marriage.
Retroactive Application of Psychological Incapacity: Balancing Marital Sanctity and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 of the Family Code applies retroactively to marriages before 1988, but proof of psychological incapacity remains stringent.
Disbarment for Judicial Misconduct: Integrity and Ethics in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a former judge for gross misconduct, including soliciting money and failing to report marriages she solemnized.
Civil Registry Corrections Cannot Impugn Legitimacy or Filiation
The Supreme Court rules that Rule 108 petitions cannot be used to collaterally attack a child's legitimated status or the validity of a marriage.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Beyond Irresponsibility: Defining Psychological Incapacity in Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's immaturity and irresponsibility rise to the level of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance in Nullity of Marriage Cases
Supreme Court suspends judge for one year for procedural lapses in nullity of marriage cases and unauthorized solemnization of marriages.
Mutual Incompatibility as Grounds for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court expands psychological incapacity under Article 36 to include mutual incompatibility and antagonism between spouses. Learn the new rules.
Lack of Marriage License Nullifies Union Even When Psychological Incapacity Fails
Supreme Court voids marriage for missing license despite rejecting psychological incapacity claim, clarifying Article 34 exemption rules.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Annulment Fails in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that marital unhappiness and discord are not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Usurpation of Official Functions: When Suspension Does Not Stop Official Acts
A suspended mayor who continued solemnizing marriages and issuing permits was convicted of usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the RPC.
Beyond that makes it impossible for the spouse to understand and comply with essential marital obligations.
The Court emphasized that ordinary witnesses who observed the spouse's behavior before and during the marriage may testify. The judge then determines whether th
Psychological Incapacity Standard: What Baldovino-Torres v. Torres Means for Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the psychological incapacity standard under Article 36, emphasizing totality of evidence over expert testimony alone.
No-Spouse Employment Policies: Balancing Business Needs and Marital Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity rules in Laroco v. Laroco, reshaping how courts evaluate marriage nullity cases.
Psychological Incapacity, Abandonment, and Failure to Support in Nullity of Marriage Cases
Explore when abandonment and failure to support qualify as psychological incapacity under Article 36, Family Code, and when they do not.