PERSONS and FAMILY RELATIONS

Atty. Janer G. Sanchez

PERSONS and FAMILY RELATIONS

PERSONS AND PERSONALITY

Juridical Capacity and Capacity to Act.
JURIDICAL CAPACITY CAPACITY TO ACT

Definition
Fitness to be the subject of legal relations Power to do acts with legal effect

Acquisition
Inherent (coexists with the natural Through the fulfilment of specific legal
person) activities
Loss
Only through death Through death and other causes
In relation to the other
Can exist without capacity to act Cannot exist w/o juridical capacity
Limitation
None Art. 38 (restriction)
Art. 39 (modification / limitation),
among others
 Restrictions on Capacity to Act

Minority
Insanity
Deafmute,
Imbecility,
Prodigality,
Civil Interdiction
 Circumstances that modify or limit
capacity to act.
Insanity Trusteeship
Prodigality Penalty
Age Insolvency
Imbecility Absence
DeafMute
Family Relations
Alienage
 Civil Personality Ceases

Natural persons by death

Juridical persons by termination of existence

 Birth
Personality acquired by a Natural Person
GR: Actual / Permanent PersonalityPersonality
begins at birth; not at conception
XPN: Presumptive / Temporary The law considers
the conceived child as born (Conceptus pro nato
habetur)
N.B.
For there to be presumptive personality, the foetus must
be born later in accordance with law and the purpose
for which such personality is given must be beneficial to
the child.
 Born later in accordance with law
A fetus with an intrauterine life of:
Less than 7 months Must survive for at least 24 hours after its
complete delivery from the maternal womb
At least 7 months If born alive: considered born, even it dies
within 24 hours after complete delivery.

Universal rule of jurisprudence that a child, upon being

conceived, becomes a bearer of legal rights and is
capable of being dealt with as a living person. The fact
that it is yet unborn is no impediment to the
acquisition of rights provided it be born later in
accordance with Law (De Jesus v. Syquia, G.R. No.
L39110, Nov. 28, 1933).
 Who Died First
It depends on whether the parties are called to
succeed each other.

If successional rights are involved Art. 43 of the NCC:

Survivorship Rule; and Rule 131, Sec. 3(kk): Presumption of
simultaneity of deaths between persons called to succeed
each other, applies.

If no successional rights are involved Rule 131, Sec. 3 (jj)

of the Rules of Court applies. (Presumption of
survivorship)
N.B.
Both are to be applied only in the absence of facts.
 Survivorship Under NCC
If in doubt as to who died first between 2 or
more persons called to succeed each other:
Burden of Proof: Whoever alleges the death of
one prior to the other shall prove the same;
Absent such proof: Presumption is they all died at
the same time. There shall be no transmission of
successional rights.
Requisites for Survivorship Under NCC
It applies when the following conditions are
present:
The parties are heirs to one another
There is no proof as to who died first
There is doubt as to who died first
 Presumptions on survivorship under
the Rules of Court.
The Rules of Court provide that:
when two or more persons
perish in the same calamity and
it is not shown who died first, and
there are no particular circumstances from which
it can be inferred that one died ahead of the other
 The survivorship shall be determined from the
probabilities resulting from the strength and
age of the sexes according to the following
rules:
 Rule 131
Age/Sex of decedents at the time of death Who presumed to have
Decedent A Decedent B survived

Under 15 Under 15 Older

Above 60 Above 60 Younger
Under 15 Above 60 Under 15 (younger)
Above 15 BUT under 60 Above 15 BUT under 60 Different sexes
-Male
Same sex
Older
Under 15 OR over 60 Between 15 and 60 Between 15 and 60
 Residence and Domicile
Residence is a place of abode, whether
permanent or temporary.

Domicile denotes a fixed permanent to which,

when absent, one has the intention of
returning.
 Domicile of Juridical Persons
The place fixed by the law creating or
recognizing the juridical person

In the absence thereof, the place where their

legal representation is established or where
they exercise their principal functions.
 MARRIAGE
Marriage is a special contract of permanent union
between a man and a woman entered into in
accordance with law for the establishment of
conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the
family and an inviolable social institution whose
nature, consequences, and incidents are
governed by law and not subject to stipulation,
except that marriage settlements may fix the
property relations during the marriage within the
limits provided by the Family Code. (Art. 1, FC)
 Marriage as an inviolable social
institution
Marriage is an institution in which the community is
deeply interested. The State has surrounded it with
safeguards to maintain its purity, continuity and
permanence. The security and stability of the State are
largely dependent on it. It is in the interest and duty of
each member of the community to prevent the
bringing about of a condition that would shake its
foundation and lead to its destruction. The incidents of
the status are governed by law, not by will of the
parties.
(Beso v. Daguman, A.M. No. MTJ991211, January 28,
2000 [citing Jimenez v. Republic, G.R. No. L12790,
August 31,1960])
 Marriage Ordinary Contract
As a contract
Special contract Merely a contract
Social institution
Applicable law
Governed by the law on marriage Governed by the law on contracts
Right to stipulate
GR: Not subject to stipulation
Generally subject to stipulations
XPN: Property relations in marriage
settlements
Capacity to contract
Legal capacity required Minors may contract thru their parents or
guardians or in some instances, by themselves

Gender requirement
Contracting parties must only be two persons Contracting parties may be two or more
of opposite sexes persons regardless of sex
Dissolution by agreement
Dissolved only by death or annulment, never by Can be dissolved by mutual agreement among
mutual agreement others.
 ESSENTIAL REQUISITES
essential requisites of marriage

Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must

be a male and a female
Consent freely given in the presence of the
solemnizing officer
 Legal Capacity

Age at least 18yrs

Sex between male and female
Lack of legal impediment to marry
 Additional Requirements on Age
AGE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
18 to 21 years old Parental consent and Marriage
counselling
22 to 25 years old Parental advice and Marriage counselling

Absence of the additional requirement of parental consent does not make the
marriage void but only voidable.
 Formal Requisites of Marriage

Marriage Ceremony
Authority of the solemnizing officer
Valid marriage License
 Absence of Requisites

Absence of any of the essential requisites?

Void ab initio
Absence of any of the formal requisites?
GR: Void ab initio
XPN: Valid even in the absence of formal requisite:
a. Marriages exempt from license requirement
b. Either or both parties believed in good faith that the
solemnizing officer had the proper authority.
 Defect and Irregularity
Defect in essential requisites
Voidable

Irregularity in formal requisites

Valid, but the party responsible for such
irregularity shall be civilly, criminally or
administratively liable
 MARRIAGE CEREMONY
A valid marriage ceremony
That which takes place with the:
appearance of the contracting parties before the
solemnizing officer and
their personal declaration that they shall take each other as
husband and wife
in the presence of not less that 2 witnesses of legal age.

Note: No particular form of ceremony or religious

rite is required by law.
 Marriage by Proxy
If performed in the Philippines No, it is not allowed, hence the marriage
is void.

Note: Philippine laws prohibit marriages by proxy. Since the marriage is

performed in the Philippines, Philippine laws shall apply following the
principle of lex loci celebrationis.

If performed abroad Whether it is allowed or not depends upon the law

of the place where the marriage was celebrated (lex loci celebrationis)

Note: As to marriages between Filipinos all marriages solemnized outside

the Philippines, in accordance with the laws enforced in said country where
they are solemnized, and valid there as such, shall also be valid here in the
country, except those prohibited under Art. 35 (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), 36, 37 and
38. (Art. 26, FC)
 SOLEMNIZING AUTHORITY
Under ordinary circumstances:
Incumbent judiciary member provided, within the
courts (his) jurisdiction
Priest, rabbi, imam or minister of any church/religious
sect duly authorized provided at least one of the
parties belongs to such church or religious sect.
Consul general, consul or viceconsul provided both
parties are Filipinos and marriage takes place abroad.
Mayors (Arts 444 and 445 of LGC)
Note: Includes Acting Mayor
 SOLEMNIZING AUTHORITY
Marriages in articulo mortis:
Ship captain or airplane chief provided the
marriage is performed:
i. During voyage, even during stopovers
ii. Between passengers or crew members
b. Military commander of a unit who is a
commissioned officer provided the marriage is
performed:
i. In absence of chaplain;
ii. Within zone of military operation;
iii. Between members of the armed forces or civilians
Requirement from Solemnizing Officer
He shall state in an affidavit executed before
the local civil registrar or any other person
legally authorized to administer oaths, that
the marriage was performed in articulo mortis
and that he took the necessary steps to
ascertain the ages and relationship of the
contracting parties and the absence of a legal
impediment to the marriage. (Art. 29, FC)
 Failure of Solemnizing Officer
Marriage will be still valid. The Law permits marriages in
articulo mortis without marriage license but it requires the
solemnizing officer to make an affidavit and file it.

However, such affidavit is not an essential or formal

requisite of marriage, the same with a Marriage Contract.
The signing of the marriage contract and the affidavit is
only required for the purpose of evidencing the act, not a
requisite of marriage. It is the obligation of the solemnizing
officer. It does not affect the validity of marriage (De Loria
v. Felix, G.R. No. L9005, Jun. 20, 1958).
 Authorized venues of marriage
GR: Must be solemnized publicly within the jurisdiction
of the authority of the solemnizing officer:
Chambers of the judge or in open court
Church, chapel or temple
Office of the consulgeneral, consul or viceconsul
XPN:
Marriage at the point of death
Marriage in remote places
Marriage at a house or place designated by the parties
with the written request to the solemnizing officer to that
effect.
 Note: This provision is only directory, not
mandatory. The requirement that the
marriage be solemnized in a particular venue
or a public place is not an essential requisite
for the validity of the marriage.
 Exception to the rule requiring
authority of the solemnizing officer
Marriages contracted with either or both
parties believing in good faith that the
solemnizing officer had the authority to do so.
 Period of the validity of a marriage
license
A marriage license is valid in any part of the
Philippines only for 120 days from the date of
its issuance and shall be deemed
automatically cancelled at the expiration of
said period.
Note: If the parties contracted marriage after
120 days lapsed from the issuance of the
marriage license, such marriage shall be
considered void for lack of marriage license.
 Failure to obtain parental advice or
undergo marriage counseling
The issuance of marriage license is suspended
for 3 months from the completion of
publication of the application.

Note: The marriage is valid in this case.

Status of the marriage if the parties get married
within said 3month period
It depends.
If the parties did not obtain a marriage license
the marriage shall be void for lack of marriage
license.
If the parties were able to obtain a marriage
license the marriage shall be valid without
prejudice to the actions that may be taken against
the guilty party.
 Issuance of Marriage License
The local civil registrar of the city or
municipality where either contracting party
habitually resides.

Note: Obtaining a marriage license in a place

other than where either party habitually resides
is a mere irregularity.
 Each of the contracting parties shall file a separate or
individual sworn application with the proper local civil
registrar

Note: Foreigners are further required to submit a

Certificate of Legal Capacity issued by their respective
diplomatic or consular officials before they can obtain a
marriage license.

For stateless persons or refugees, in lieu of a certificate of

legal capacity, an affidavit stating the circumstances
showing such capacity to contract marriage must be
submitted.
 Absence of Certificate of Legal
Capacity
The marriage is valid as this is merely an
irregularity in complying with a formal
requirement of the law in procuring a
marriage license, which will not affect the
validity of the marriage. (Garcia v. Recio, G.R.
138322, October 2, 2001)
 Exemptions
Marriages among Muslims or members of ethnic cultural
communities.
Marriages in Articulo mortis.
NOTE: Articulo Mortis means at the point of death, not merely in
danger of dying.
Marriages in Remote places.
NOTE: Remote Place no means of transportation to enable the
party to personally appear before the solemnizing local civil registrar.
Marriages between parties Cohabiting for at least 5 years
Marriages solemnized Outside the Philippines where no marriage
license is required by the country where it was solemnized.
Marriages in articulo mortis Solemnized by a ship captain or
airplane pilot
Marriages within Zones of military operation.
 5 Year Cohabitation Rule
1. Living together as husband and wife at least 5 years before the
marriage.
The 5 year period must be characterized by:
a. Exclusivity the partners must live together exclusively, with no other
partners, during the whole 5year period.
b. Continuity such cohabitation was unbroken.

Note: The period is counted from the date of celebration of marriage. It

should be the years immediately before the day of the marriage.

2. No legal impediment to marry each other.

Note: The fiveyear period of cohabitation must have been a period of legal
union had it not been for the absence of marriage.
(Sta. Maria No legal Impediment only required at the time of the marriage)
 Fact of absence of legal impediment must be Present
at the time of the marriage

Parties must execute an Affidavit that they are living

together as husband and wife for 5 years and that they
do not have any impediment to marry

Solemnizing officer must execute a Sworn statement

that he had ascertained the qualifications of the parties
and found no legal impediment to their marriage
(Manzano v. Sanches, Mar. 1, 2001)
 Marriage Certificate
MARRIAGE LICENSE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
Authorization by the state to celebrate Best evidence of the existence of the
marriage. marriage.
Formal requisite of marriage. Not an essential or formal requisite of
marriage.
 MARRIAGE CELEBRATED ABROAD
AND FOREIGN DIVORCE
Validity of marriage
As to its extrinsic validity Lex loci celebrationis
Note: Locus regit actum the act is governed by the law of
the place where it is done is adhered to here in the
Philippines as regards the extrinsic validity of marriage.

As to its intrinsic validity Personal law

Note: Personal law may either be the national law or the
law of the place where the person is domiciled.
If the person involved is a stateless person, domiciliary rule
applies, otherwise, lex nationalii applies.
 Marriages between Filipinos
solemnized abroad
GR: Marriages between Filipinos solemnized outside the Philippines in
accordance with the law of the foreign country where it is celebrated, if
valid there, shall be valid here as such.

XPN: It shall be void, even if it is valid in the foreign country where the
marriage was celebrated, if any of the following circumstances are
present:
Lack of legal capacity even with parental consent (e.g. party is below 18);
Incestuous;
Contracted through Mistake of one party as to the identity of the other;
Contracted following the annulment or declaration of nullity of a previous
marriage but Before partition, etc.;
Bigamous or polygamous except as provided in Art. 41 FC on terminable
bigamous marriages;
Void due to Psychological incapacity;
Void for reasons of Public policy
 Void and Voidable Marriages
Void Marriage Voidable Marriage
Status of marriage
Void ab initio Voidable: Valid until annulled
Petition filed
Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Annulment of Marriage
Who may file
GR: Solely by the husband or wife. GR: Offended Spouse
XPN: Any real party in interest, only in the XPN:
following cases: 1.Parents or guardians in cases of insanity
Nullity of marriage cases commenced 2.Parents or guardians before the party
before the effectivity of A.M. No. reaches 21 years old on the ground of
021110. March 15, 2003. Lack of Parental Authority
Marriages celebrated during the
effectivity of the Civil Code. (De Dios
Carlos v. Sandoval, G.R. No. 179922,
December 16, 2008).
 Void Marriage Voidable Marriage
Prescriptive Period
No prescriptive period GR: Within 5 years from discovery of the
ground
XPN:
1. Lifetime of spouse in cases of insanity
2. Before the party reaches 21 in cases
where parents or guardians may file
annulment
Children
GR: Illegitimate; Legitimate
XPN: Those conceived or born of
marriages declared void under:
Art.36 (Psychological incapacity), or
Art. 52 in relation to Art. 53
Judicial Declaration
GR: Not necessary that there is judicial Necessary
declaration
XPN: in case of remarriage
 VOID MARRIAGE

1. Absence of any of the essential or formal requisites

of marriage;
2. Contracted by any party below 18 years of age even
with the consent of parents or guardians;
3. Solemnized without License, except those marriages
that are exempt from the license requirement;
4. Solemnized by any person not Authorized to
perform marriages unless such marriages were
contracted with either or both parties believing in good
faith that the solemnizing officer had the legal
authority to do so;
 5. Contracted through Mistake of one of the
contracting party as to the identity of the other;
6. Bigamous or polygamous marriages;
7. Subsequent marriages that are void under Art. 53
FC;
8. Marriages contracted by any party, who at the time
of the celebration of the marriage, was Psychologically
incapacitated;
9. Incentuous Marriages (Art. 37, FC)
10. Marriages declared void because they are contrary
to Public policy (Art. 38, FC).
lack of free and voluntary consent
When consent is obtained through mistake,
fraud, force, intimidation or undue influence,
or when either of the contracting party is of
unsound mind at the time of the celebration
of the marriage, the marriage is annullable.
(Art. 45, FC)
CONTRACTED BY PARTY BELOW 18
If Filipino- Void
If the national law of the foreigner recognizes
17 year old persons to be capacitated to
marry, then their marriage is valid, otherwise
it is void.
Note: Lex nationalii applies
LACK OF AUTHORITY OF SOLEMNIZING
OFFICER
GR: The marriage is void ab initio.
XPN:
Express If either or both parties believed in good faith
that the solemnizer had the legal authority to do so.
(Art. 35, FC)
Implied Article 10 in relation to Article 26 of the
Family Code. If the marriage between a foreigner and a
Filipino citizen abroad solemnized by a Philippine
consul assigned in that country is recognized as valid in
the host country, such marriage shall be considered as
valid in the Philippines. ( Sta. Maria Jr., Persons and
Family Relations Law)
 CONTRACTED THROUGH MISTAKE
For marriage to be rendered void, the mistake
in identity must be with reference to the
actual physical identity of other party, not
merely a mistake in the name, personal
qualifications, character, social standing, etc.
(Rabuya, p. 213)
 BIGAMOUS MARRIAGES
GR: Void for being bigamous or polygamous.

XPN: Valid if it is a terminable bigamous

marriage.
 when a person contracts a second or
subsequent marriage before the former
marriage has been legally dissolved, or before
the absent spouse has been declared
presumptively dead by means of judgment
rendered in the proper proceedings. (Art. 349,
RPC
 PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY
There is no exact definition for psychological incapacity,
but it was defined by the Supreme Court as no less
than a mental (not physical) incapacity that causes a
party to be truly incognitive of the basic marital
covenants that concomitantly must be assumed and
discharged by the parties to the marriage.
The intendment of the law has been to confine the
meaning of "psychological incapacity" to the most
serious cases of personality disorders clearly
demonstrative of an utter insensitivity or inability to
give meaning and significance to the marriage. (Santos
v. CA, G.R. No. 112019, Jan. 4, 1995)
Requisites of psychological incapacity
1.Juridical antecedence must be rooted in the
history of the party antedating the marriage,
although overt manifestations may arise only
after such marriage.
2. Gravity grave enough to bring about the
disability of the party to assume the essential
marital obligations.
3. Permanence or incurability must be
incurable. If curable, the cure should be beyond
the means of the parties involved.
 INCESTUOUS MARRIAGES
Those marriages:
Between ascendants and descendants of any
degree;
Between brothers and sisters whether of the full
or half blood.

Note: Regardless of whether the relationship

between the parties is legitimate or
illegitimate.
 VOID BY REASON OF PUBLIC POLICY

Collateral blood relatives (legitimate or Illegitimate) up to the 4th

civil degree;
Stepparents & stepchildren;
Parentsinlaw & childreninlaw;
Adopting parent & the adopted child;
Surviving spouse of the adopting parent & the adopted child;
Surviving spouse of the adopted child & the adopter;
Adopted child & legitimate child of the adopter;
Adopted children of the same adopter;
Parties where one, with the intention to marry the other, kills the
latters spouse, or his/her spouse.
 Note: List is exclusive. If not falling within this
enumeration, the marriage shall be valid. Such
as marriages between:
Adopted and Illegitimate child of the adopter
Step brother and step sister
Brotherinlaw and sisterinlaw
Parties who have been guilty of adultery or
concubinage
 PRESCRIPTION
The time for filing an action or defense for the
declaration of absolute nullity of marriage,
whether in a direct or collateral manner, does
not prescribe.

Note: Any of the parties in a void marriage can

file an action for the declaration of nullity of
marriage even though such party is the
wrongdoer.
 Death of a party in a petition for
declaration of nullity of marriages

Before the entry of judgment The court shall

order the case closed and terminated without
prejudice to the settlement of estate in proper
proceedings.

After the entry of judgment The decision shall

be binding upon the parties and their
successorsininterest in the settlement of the
estate.
 Heirs file a petition for the
declaration of nullity
The advent of the Rule on Declaration of Absolute Nullity of
Void Marriages marks the beginning of the end of the right
of the heirs of the deceased spouse to bring a nullity of
marriage case against the surviving spouse. While A.M. No.
021110SC declares that a petition for declaration of
absolute nullity of marriage may be filed solely by the
husband or the wife, it does not mean that the compulsory
or intestate heirs are without any recourse under the law.
They can still protect their successional right, for,
compulsory or intestate heirs can still question the validity
of the marriage of the spouses, not in a proceeding for
declaration of nullity but upon the death of a spouse in a
proceeding for the settlement of the estate of the deceased
spouse filed in the regular courts
 Splitting Cause of Action
There is only one cause of action which is the nullity of the
marriage. Hence, when the second case was filed based on another
ground, there was a splitting of a cause of action which is
prohibited. The petitioner is estopped from asserting that the first
marriage had no marriage license because in the first case, he
impliedly admitted the same when he did not question the absence
of a marriage license. Litigants are provided with the options on the
course of action to take in order to obtain judicial relief. Once an
option has been taken and a case is filed in court, the parties must
ventilate all matters and relevant issues therein. The losing party
who files another action regarding the same controversy will be
needlessly squandering time, effort and financial resources because
he is barred by law from litigating the same controversy all over
again. (Mallion v. Alcantara, G.R. No. 141528, Oct. 31, 2006)
 Retroactivity of Nullity
Retroacts to the date of the celebration of the marriage.
However, although the judicial declaration of nullity of a
marriage on the ground of psychological incapacity
retroacts to the date of the celebration of the marriage
insofar as the vinculum between the parties is concerned, it
must be noted that the marriage is not without legal
consequences or effects. One such consequence or effect is
the incurring of criminal liability for bigamy. To hold
otherwise would be to render nugatory the State's penal
laws on bigamy as it would allow individuals to deliberately
ensure that each marital contract be flawed in some
manner, and to thus escape the consequences of
contracting multiple marriages. (Tenebro v. CA, G.R. No.
150758, Feb. 18, 2004)
 Judicial Declaration
For purposes of remarriage judicial declaration of absolute nullity is
necessary.

Note: In the instance where a party who has previously contracted a

marriage which is legally unassailable, he is required by law to prove that
the previous one was an absolute nullity. But this he may do on the basis
solely of a final judgment declaring such previous marriage void.

For purposes other than remarriage no judicial action is necessary.

Note: Here, evidence may be adduced, testimonial or documentary, to

prove the existence of the grounds rendering such a previous marriage an
absolute nullity. But these need not be limited solely to an earlier final
judgment of a court declaring such marriage void. (Rabuya, Civil Law
Reviewer, 2009 ed)
 SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE
Valid subsequent marriage during the subsistence of a prior
marriage

In case of terminable bigamous marriages. If before the celebration

of the subsequent marriage: ABD
The Absent spouse had been absent for 4 consecutive years (ordinary
absence) or 2 consecutive years (extraordinary absence);
The present spouse has a wellfounded Belief that the absent spouse
is already dead;
There is judicial Declaration of presumptive death in a summary
proceeding.

If both spouses of subsequent marriage acted in bad faith, such

marriage is void ab initio.
Extra-Judicial Termination of Marriage
The recording of the affidavit of reappearance of the absent spouse
in the civil registry of the residence of the parties to the subsequent
marriage shall automatically terminate the terminable bigamous
marriage unless there is a judgment annulling the previous
marriage or declaring it void ab initio. (Art. 42)

In Art 42, FC, no judicial proceeding to annul a subsequent marriage

contracted under Art. 41 is necessary. Also, the termination of the
subsequent marriage by affidavit provided for in Art. 42 does not
preclude the filing of an action in court to prove the reappearance
of the absentee and obtain a declaration of dissolution or
termination of the subsequent marriage. (SSS v. Jarque Vda. De
Bailon, G.R. No. 165545, Mar. 24, 2006)
 Subsequent Bigamous Marriages
The subsequent marriage of a person whose prior
marriage has been annulled but contracted said
subsequent marriage without compliance with Art. 52,
FC, shall be void.
Before he contracts a subsequent marriage, he must
first comply with the requirement provided for in Art.
52, viz:
The recording in the civil registries and registries of
properties of the following: JPDD
Judgment of annulment;
Partition;
Distribution of properties, and
Delivery of presumptive legitimes
 VOIDABLE MARRIAGES
A voidable marriage is considered valid and
produces all its civil effects until it is set aside
by final judgment of a competent court in an
action for annulment.
 Ratification of Voidable Marriages
GROUND
Marriage of a party 18 years of age or
over but below 21 solemnized without
the consent of the parents, guardian or
person having substitute parental
authority over the party, in that order
Either party was of unsound mind
Consent of either party was obtained by
fraud
RATIFICATION
Contracting party who failed to obtain
parental consent: Through free
cohabitation after attaining the age of 21.
Note: The parents cannot ratify the
marriage. The effect of prescription on
their part is that they are barred from
contesting it but the marriage is not yet
cleansed of its defect.
Insane spouse: Through free cohabitation
after coming to reason
Injured party: Through free cohabitation
with full knowledge of the facts
constituting the fraud.
 GROUND
Vices of consent such as force,
intimidation or undue influence
Impotence and STD
RATIFICATION
Injured party: Through free cohabitation
after the vices have ceased or
disappeared.
May not be ratified but action may be
barred by prescription only, which is 5
years after the marriage
 UNSOUND MIND
Test to determine unsoundness of mind
It is essential that the mental incapacity must
relate specifically to the contract of marriage and
the test is whether the party at the time of the
marriage was capable of understanding the nature
and consequences of the marriage
 Who may file Annulment
GR: The sane spouse has the legal standing to file the
action for annulment only in cases where he or she
contracted the marriage without knowledge of the
others insanity.

XPN: When the sane spouse had knowledge of the

others insanity, action for annulment may be filed only
by the following;
Any relative or guardian or person having legal charge of
the insane
The insane spouse during a lucid interval or after regaining
sanity
 FRAUD
Circumstances constituting fraud under Art. 45

Nondisclosure of conviction by final judgment of crime

involving moral turpitude;
Concealment by the wife of the fact that at the time of
marriage, she was Pregnant by a man other than her
husband;
Concealment of Sexually transmitted disease, regardless of
nature, existing at the time of marriage;
Concealment of Drug addiction, habitual alcoholism,
homosexuality and lesbianism. (Art. 46)
 FRAUD
Note: Any other misrepresentation as to character, health,
rank, fortune or chastity is not a ground for annulment.

Note: Where there has been no misrepresentation or

fraud, that is, when the husband at the time of the
marriage knew that the wife was pregnant, the marriage
cannot be annulled. Here, the child was born less than 3
months after the celebration of the marriage. Supreme
Court refused to annul the marriage for the reason that the
woman was at an advance stage of pregnancy at the time
of the marriage and such condition must have been patent
to the husband. (Buccat v. Buccat, G.R. No. 47101, Apr. 25,
1941)
 DRUG ADDICTION
Declaration of nullity of marriage:
The drug addiction must amount to psychological
incapacity to comply with the essential obligations
of marriage;

It must be antecedent (existing at the time of

marriage), grave and incurable:
Annulment of marriage:
The drug addiction must be concealed;
It must exist at the time of marriage;
There should be no cohabitation with full
knowledge of the drug addiction;
The case is filed within five (5) years from
discovery.
Legal separation:
There should be no condonation or consent to
the drug addiction;
The action must be filed within five (5) years
from the occurrence of the cause.
Drug addiction arises during the marriage and
not at the time of marriage. (Bar Question
1997)
 Occurrence during marriage
if drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, lesbianism
or homosexuality should occur only during the
marriage, they will:
Not constitute as grounds for declaration of
nullity. (Art. 36, FC)
Constitute as grounds for legal separation. (Art.
55, FC); and
Not constitute as grounds to render the marriage
voidable. (Arts. 45 and 46 of the FC) (2002 Bar
Question)
 VITIATED CONSENT
GR: Consent of either party was obtained by
force, intimidation or undue influence

XPN: If the same having disappeared or

ceased, such party thereafter freely cohabited
with the other as husband and wife
 IMPOTENCE
Ground for annulment of marriage
Exists at the time of the Celebration of marriage
Permanent (does not have to be absolute)
Incurable
Unknown to the other spouse
Other spouse must not also be Impotent

GR: No.Presumption is in favor of potency.

XPN: Doctrine of triennial cohabitation.
 Triennial cohabitation
After 3 years of living together with her
husband, the wife remained a virgin, the
husband is presumed to be impotent.
 SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
Ground for Annulment
One of the parties is Afflicted with STD
STD must be:
a. Existing at the time the marriage is celebrated
b. Serious
c. apparently Incurable
The other spouse must not be Aware of the
others affliction
Injured party must be Free from STD.
 Art 45 vs 46
ART 45 ART 46
AFFLICTION CONCEALMENT
The fact of being afflicted is the ground The act of concealing is the ground for
for annulment annulment as it constitutes Fraud
Whether concealed or not There must be concealment
Must be Serious and Incurable Does not have to be serious and incurable
 Who May and When To
Who May File When to File
Marriage was solemnized without the consent of the parents, guardian or person
having substitute parental authority over the party
Contracting party Within 5 years after attaining the age of
21
Either party was of unsound mind
Sane spouse who had no knowledge of At any time before the death of either
the others insanity party
Any relative, guardian or person having At any time before the death of either
legal charge of the insane party
Insane spouse During a lucid interval or after regaining
sanity
The consent of either party was obtained by fraud
Injured party Within 5 years after the discovery of fraud
 Who May and When To
Who May File When To File
The consent of either party was obtained by force, intimidation, or undue influence
Injured party Within 5 years from the time the force,
intimidation, or undue influence
disappeared or ceased
Either party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage with the other,
and such incapacity continues and appears to be incurable
Injured party Within 5 years after the celebration of
marriage
Either party was afflicted with a sexually transmissible disease found to be serious
and appears to be incurable
Injured party Within 5 years after the celebration of
marriage
 Role of Prosecutor/Solicitor General
They shall take steps to prevent collusion
between the parties and to take care that
evidence is not suppressed. Concomitantly, even
if there is no suppression of evidence, the public
prosecutor has to make sure that the evidence to
be presented or laid down before the court is not
fabricated. Truly, only the active participation of
the public prosecutor or the Solicitor General will
ensure that the interest of the State is
represented and protected in proceedings for
declaration of nullity of marriages by preventing
the fabrication or suppression of evidence
 Nonintervention of the prosecutor
GR: Fatal
XPN: In cases where the respondent in a
petition for annulment vehemently opposed
the same and where he does not allege that
evidence was suppressed or fabricated by any
of the parties. (Tuason v. CA, G.R. No. 116607,
April 10, 1996)
 Actions prohibited
Compromise
Confession of judgment
Stipulation of facts
Summary judgment
Judgment on the pleading

Note: What the law prohibits is a judgment based exclusively

or mainly on defendant's confession (Ocampo v. Florenciano,
107 Phil. 35). Thus, stipulation of facts or confession of
judgment if sufficiently supported by other independent
substantial evidence to support the main ground relied upon,
may warrant an annulment or declaration of absolute nullity.
 Duty of the court during Pendency of
Action
The Court shall, in the absence of adequate
written agreement between the spouses,
provide for the:
Support of the spouses
Support and custody of the common children.
Visitation rights of the other parent
 Liquidation of Property
Void marriages:
GR: The rules on coownership under the Civil
Code. (Valdes v. RTC)
XPN: Art. 43(2) of the Family Code in marriages
declared void under Art. 40. (Art. 50)

Voidable marriages under Art. 45: shall be

liquidated in accordance with Art. 43(2) of the
Family Code.(Art. 50)
 Note: In both instances under Articles 40 and 45,
the marriages are governed either by absolute
community of property or conjugal partnership of
gains unless the parties agree to a complete
separation of property in a marriage settlement
entered into before the marriage. Since the
property relations of the parties is governed by
absolute community of property or conjugal
partnership of gains, there is a need to liquidate,
partition and distribute the properties. (Dino v.
Dino, G.R. No. 178044, January 19, 2011)
 The final judgment shall provide for the ff:
Liquidation, partition and distribution of the properties of the
spouses;
Custody and support of the common children; and
Delivery of their presumptive legitimes,

Unless such matters had already been adjudicated in

previous judicial proceedings, in which case, the final
judgment of nullity or annulment need not provide for
those which have already been adjudicated.

Note: Where there was a failure to record in the civil

registry and registry of property the judgment of
annulment or absolute nullity of the marriage, the partition
and distribution of the property of the spouses, and the
delivery of the childrens presumptive legitimes, it shall not
affect third persons. (Arts. 52 & 53)
 forms of presumptive legitime

cash
property
sound security
 Requisites before second marriage if
Annulled
He must comply with the requirement
provided for in Art. 52, before he contracts a
subsequent marriage, viz:
The recording in the civil registries and registries
of properties of the following: JPDD
Judgment of annulment;
Partition;
Distribution of properties; and
Delivery of presumptive legitimes.
LEGAL SEPARATION
 Grounds for legal separation
Repeated Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct
against petitioner, common child, child of petitioner;
Attempt to corrupt or induce petitioner, common child,
child of petitioner to engage in prostitution, or
connivance in such corruption or inducement
Attempt by respondent against Lifeof petitioner;
Final judgment sentencing respondent to
imprisonment of more than 6 years;
Drug Addiction or habitual alcoholismof respondent;
Note:It must exist after celebration of marriage
 Physical violence or moral pressure to Compel
petitioner to change religious or political
affiliation;
Bigamous marriage Subsequently contracted by
respondent in the Philippines or abroad
Sexual Infidelity or perversion;
Lesbianism/homosexuality of respondent;
Note: It must exist after celebration of marriage
Abandonment of petitioner by respondent
without justifiable cause for more than 1 year.
 Prescriptive period
An action for legal separation shall be filed
within five years from the time of the
occurrence of the cause (Art. 57, FC). An
action filed beyond that period is deemed
prescribed
 Mandatory coolingoff period
The requirement set forth by law that an
action for legal separation shall in no case
shall be tried before 6 months has elapsed
since the filing of the petition, to enable the
contending spouses to settle differences. In
other words, it is for possible reconciliation.
Note: There is no coolingoff period if the ground
alleged are those under R.A. 9262
 Duty of the Court in Legal Separation
The Court shall take steps toward the
reconciliation of the spouses and must be fully
satisfied, despite such efforts, that
reconciliation is highly improbable
 CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT
A decree of legal separation cannot be issued
solely on the basis of a stipulation of facts or a
confession of judgment. The grounds for legal
separation must be proved. Neither
confession of judgment nor summary
judgment is allowed.
Note: What the law prohibits is a judgment based
exclusively or mainly on defendant's confession. (
Ocampo v. Florenciano,G.R. No. L13553, February
23, 1960)
 Who, When, Where
Who may file Husband or wife
When to file Within 5 years from the time of the
occurrence of the cause
Where to file Family Court of the province or city where
the petitioner or the respondent has been
residing for at least 6 months prior to the
date of filing or in case of a nonresident,
where he may be found in the Philippines,
at the election of the petitioner
 EFFECTS OF FILING PETITION
The spouses shall be entitled to live separately
from each other.
In the absence of an agreement between the
parties, the court shall designate either the
husband or the wife or a 3rd person to
administer the absolute community or
conjugal partnership property.
 Death before Decree
The death of plaintiff before a decree of legal
separation abates such action. Being personal in
character, it follows that the death of one party to the
action causes the death of the action itself actio
personalis moritur cum persona. Even if property rights
are involved, because these rights are mere effects of
the decree of legal separation, being rights in
expectation, these rights do not come into existence as
a result of the death of a party. Also under the Rules of
Court, an action for legal separation or annulment of
marriage is not one which survives the death of
spouse. (Lapuz v. Eufemio, G.R. No. L31429, Jan. 31,
1972)
 EFFECTS OF LEGAL SEPARATION
Spouses entitled to live separately;
Note: Marriage bond not severed
ACP/CPG shall be dissolved or liquidated;
Note:But offending spouse shall have no right to any
share of the net profits earned by the AC/CP which
shall be forfeited in according w/ Art. 43(2).
Custody of minor children is awarded to the
innocent spouse (subject to Art. 213, FC);
Offending spouse is disqualified to inherit from
innocent spouse by intestate succession;
 Provisions in will of innocent spouse which favors
offending spouse shall be revoked by operation of
law;
Innocent spouse may revoke donations he/she
made in favor of offending spouse;
Note: Prescriptive period: 5 years from finality of
decree of legal separation

Innocent spouse may revoke designation of

offending spouse as beneficiary in any insurance
policy (even when stipulated as irrevocable).
 RECONCILIATION
Effects of reconciliation
As to the Decree:
a. During the pendency of the case: LS proceedings
terminated in whatever stage
b. After the issuance of the decree: Final decree of
LS to be set aside
Effects of reconciliation
As to the Property Regime:
GR: With respect to separation of properties, the
same shall subsist.
XPN: The parties, however, can come into an
agreement to revive their previous regime. Their
agreement must be under oath and must contain
a list of the properties desired to be returned to
the community or conjugal property and those
which will remain separate, a list of creditors and
their addresses.
Effects of reconciliation
As to capacity to succeed: The Family Code does not
provide for the revival of revoked provisions in a will
originally made in favor of the offending party as a
result of the LS. This absence gives the innocent spouse
the right to choose whether the offending spouse will
be reinstituted.

As to the forfeited shares: Those given to the children

cannot be returned since the spouses are no longer the
owners of such. But those given to the innocent spouse
may be returned.
 Reconciliation and Property Regime
If the spouses want to revive the previous property
regime, they must execute an agreement to revive the
former property regime, which agreement shall be
submitted in court, together with a verified motion for
its approval. (Art. 67, Family Code)
The agreement to revive must be under oath and
specify:
The properties to be contributed anew to the restored regime;
Those to be retained as separated properties of each spouse; and
The names of all their known creditors, their addresses and the
amounts owing to each.
 DECLARATION OF NULLITY OF ANNULMENT LEGAL SEPARATION
MARRIAGE
Marriage bond
Dissolved Dissolved No effect, marriage bond
remains valid
Status of children
GR: Illegitimate Legitimate
XPN: Children conceived or born of
marriages before declaration of nullity
under Arts. 36 and 53 considered
legitimate
Property relations
GR: Governed either by Article 147 or ACP/CPG shall be dissolved & liquidated. [Art.
Article 148 of the Family Code. Thus, 43 (2)]
property regime shall be liquidated Share of spouse, who contracted the
pursuant to the ordinary rules on subsequent marriage in bad faith, in the net
coownership. profits of the community property or conjugal
partnership, shall be forfeited in favor of the
XPN: Marriages declared void under common children, or
Art. 40 which shall be liquidated in if there are none, the children of the guilty
accordance with Art. 43 (2).(Valdes v. spouse by a previous marriage, or
RTC) in default of children, the innocent spouse
DECLARATION OF NULLITY ANNULMENT LEGAL SEPARATION
OF MARRIAGE
Donations propter nuptias
GR: Shall remain valid. [Art. 43 (3)]
XPN:
if donee contracted the marriage in bad faith, such
donations made to said donee shall be revoked by
operation of law.
both spouses to the marriage acted in bad faith, all
donations propter nuptias shall be revoked by operation
of law.
Insurance
If one spouse acted in bad faith, innocent spouse may
revoke his designation as beneficiary in the insurance
policy even if such designation be stipulated as
irrevocable. [Art. 43 (4)]
Succession
If one spouse contracted the marriage in bad faith, he
shall be disqualified to inherit from innocent spouse by
testate and intestate succession. [Art. 43 (5)]
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE
 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
1.Essential marital obligations
Live together
Note: Includes consortium and copulation
Observe mutual love, respect, fidelity
Render mutual help and support
2. Fix the family domicile (Art. 69, FC)

3. Jointly support the family (Art. 70, FC)

a. Expenses shall be paid from the community
property
b. In the absence thereof from the income or fruits
of their separate properties
c. In the absence or insufficiency thereof from
their separate properties
4. Manage the household (Art. 71, FC)

5. Not to neglect duties, or commit acts which tend to bring danger,

dishonor, or injury to family (Art. 72, FC)

6. Either spouse may practice any legitimate profession/business, even

without the consent of the other. (Art. 73, FC)

Note: Other spouse may object on valid, serious and moral grounds.
In case of disagreement, the court shall decide whether:
a. Objection is proper; and
b. Benefit has accrued to the family before and after the objection.

Note: The foregoing shall not prejudice right of creditors who acted
in good faith.
 Obligations compelled by Court
GR: Performance of EMO under Art. 68 cannot
be compelled by court because it will be a
violation of personal liberty.

XPN: Giving support (Arroyo v. Arroyo, G.R.

No. L17014, Aug. 11, 1921)
 Expenses for the Support
Expenses shall be taken from
Community property
In the absence thereof, from the income of
separate properties.
In the absence of such income, from the
separate properties.
 Property Relations
GR: Philippine laws shall govern, regardless of place of
celebration and residence of spouses, in the absence of
contrary stipulation in a marriage settlement. (Art. 80, Family
Code)

XPN: Lex rei sitae applies:

1. Where both spouses are aliens;
2. With respect to the extrinsic validity of contracts:
a. affecting property not situated in the Philippines; and
b. executed in the country where the property is located;
3. With respect to extrinsic validity of contracts:
a. entered into in the Philippines; but
b. affecting property situated in a foreign country whose laws require
different formalities for its extrinsic validity
 Property Relations shall be governed by
1.Marriage settlement
2. Provisions of the Family Code
3. Local custom

NB: in order stated

 Waiver of Share in ACP/CPG
GR: No.

XPN: In case of judicial separation of property.

Note: The waiver must be in a public

instrument and recorded in the office of the
local civil registrar where the marriage
contract was recorded as well as in the proper
registry of property
 MARRIAGE SETTLEMENTS
It is a contract entered into by spouses about
to be married for the purpose of fixing the
terms and conditions of their property
relations with regard to their present and
future property.
It is also refered to as Ante Nuptial Agreement
or Matrimonial Contract.(Pineda, 2008
edition)
 Requisites of a valid Marriage
Settlement
In writing;
Signed by the parties;
Executed before the celebration of marriage;
Registration (to bind 3rd persons).

Note: The provisions in the marriage settlement

must be in accordance with law, morals or public
policy, otherwise such agreement is void (Paras,
Civil Code, book I, pp. 516)
FACTUAL SITUATION ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
If one of both of the parties are The ff. must be made a party to the MS,
otherwise the MS is void:
1821 years old Parents; or
those required to give consent
Sentenced with civil interdiction Guardian appointed by the court
Disabled Guardian appointed by the court
 Modification of Marriage Settlement
For any modification in the MS to be valid:
The requisites for a valid MS must be present;
There must be judicial approval;
Subject to the provisions of Arts. 66, 67, 128,
135, and 136.
 Donations by Reason of Marriage
Those donations which are made before the
celebration of the marriage, in consideration
of the same, and in favor of one or both
parties
 Donations propter Nuptias
By a 3rd Person
Made before celebration of marriage;
Made in consideration of the marriage;
Made in favor of one or both of the future
spouses.
By a Spouse
There must be marriage settlement (MS)
stipulating a property regime other than ACP;
Donation in the MS be not more that 1/5 of
the present property;
There must be acceptance by the other
spouse.
 VOID DONATIONS BY THE SPOUSES
Before the marriage:
GR: Future spouses cannot donate to each other more than 1/5 of
their present property (Excess shall be considered void)
XPN: If they are governed by ACP, then each spouse can donate to
each other in their marriage settlements present property without
limit, provided there is sufficient property left for their support and
the legitimes are not impaired.

During the marriage:

GR: Every donation or grant of gratuitous advantage, direct or
indirect, between spouses are considered void.
XPN: Moderate gifts on the occasion of any family rejoicing.
Note: The aforementioned rules also apply to common law
spouses.
 Reason for Void Donations
To protect unsecured creditors from being
defrauded;

To prevent the stronger spouse from imposing

upon the weaker spouse transfer of the latters
property to the former;

To prevent indirect modification of the marriage

settlement.
 Revocation of DPN
G R O U N D S (Art. 86) PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD
Period Reckoning Point
Marriage is not celebrated 5yrs Time the marriage was
not solemnized on the
XPN: Those automatically rendered void by fixed date. (art. 1149)
law
Marriage is Ground for nullity: Revoked by operation of law
judicially a. Contracted subsequent
declared void marriage before prior 5 yrs Finality of judicial
marriage has been judicially declaration of nullity (if
declared void action is to recover
b. any other grounds property)

5 yrs Time the donor came to

Marriage took place without consent of know that the required
parents, when required by law parental consent was not
obtained
 G R O U N D S (Art. 86) PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD
Period Reckoning
Point
Marriage is annulled and donee acted in bad faith 5 yrs Finality of
decree
Upon legal separation (LS), donee being the guilty 5 yrs Time decree of
spouse LS has become
final

Donation subject to resolutory condition and it 5 yrs Happening of

took place the resolutory
condition.
Donee committed an act of ingratitude 1 yr From donors
knowledge of
the
commission of
an act of
ingratitude
 Acts of ingratitude
Commission of an offense against the person,
honor or property of the donor, his wife or his
children under his parental authority
GR: Imputation to the donor any criminal offense
or any act involving moral turpitude
XPN: ifthe crime was committed against the donee
himself, his wife or his children under his authority
Undue refusal to support the donor when he is
legally or morally bound to give such support.
 Property regimes

Absolute Community of Property (ACP)

Conjugal Partnership of Gains (CPG)
Absolute Separation of Property (ASOP)
Any other regime within limits provided by the
Family Code
 ACP CPG ASOP
When it applies
When spouses: When the future spouses 1. When future spouses
1. Adopt it in a marriage adopt it in a marriage adopt it in a marriage
settlement; settlement settlement

2.Do not choose any 2. ACP or CPG is dissolved

economic system; or
3. Prior marriage is
3.Adopted a different dissolved due to death of
property regime and the one spouse and surviving
same is void. spouse failed to comply
with the requirements
under Art 103 (judicial
settlement proceeding of
the estate of deceased
spouse)

4. By judicial order. Judicial

separation of property may
either be voluntary or for
sufficient cause.
 ACP CPG ASOP
Consist of
All the properties owned by Each spouse retains his/her property
the spouses at the time of before the marriage and only the fruits
marriage become and income of such properties become
community property part of the conjugal properties during the
marriage
Effect of separation in fact
The separation in fact shall not affect the regime of ACP. But:
The spouse who leaves the conjugal home or refuses to live therein,
without just cause, shall not have the right to be supported;
When consent of one spouse to any transaction of the other is required
by law, judicial authorization shall be obtained in a summary
proceeding.
In case of insufficiency of community or conjugal partnership property,
separate property of both spouses shall be solidarily liable for the
support of the family. Spouse present shall, upon proper petition in a
summary proceeding, be given judicial authority to administer or
encumber any specific separate property of the other spouse and use
the fruits or proceeds thereof to satisfy the latters share.
(Arts. 100 & 127, FC)
 ACP
Upon dissolution and
liquidation of the
community property, what
is divided equally between
the spouses or their heirs is
the net remainder of the
properties of the ACP
CPG ASOP
Effect of dissolution
Upon dissolution and
liquidation of the
community property, what
is divided equally between
the spouses or their heirs is
the net remainder of the
properties of the ACP
 Revival of Property Regime
1. Civil interdiction of the prisonerspouse terminates;
2. Absentee spouse reappears
3. Court authorizes Resumption of administration by the
spouse formerly exercising such power;
4. Spouse who has Abandoned the conjugal home returns
and resumes common life with the other;
5. Parental authority is judicially restored to the spouse
previously deprived thereof;
6. Reconciliation and resumption of common life of spouse
who had been separated in fact for at least 1 year;
7. Spouses agree to revive their former property regime.
 Transfer of administration of the
exclusive property
When one spouse: CFAG
sentenced to penalty with Civil interdiction;
becomes a Fugitive from justice or is hiding as an
accused in a criminal case;
Is judicially declared Absent;
Becomes a Guardian of the other.

Note: Transfer of administration of the exclusive

property of either spouses does not confer ownership
over the same. (Rodriguez v. De la Cruz, GR No. 3629,
Sept. 28, 1907)
 Commencement of ACP
Absolute community of property shall
commence
At the precise moment of the celebration of
the marriage. i.e. actual time the marriage is
celebrated on a certain date.
Note: Any stipulation, express or implied, for the
commencement of the community regime at any
other time shall be void.
 ACP
Includes:
1. All the property owned by the spouses:
a. at the time of the celebration of the marriage; or
b. acquired thereafter;
2. Property acquired during the marriage by
gratuitous title, if expressly made to form part of
the community property by the donor, testator or
grantor;
3. Jewelries, etc.;
4. Winnings in gambling.
 ACP
Excludes:
Property acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title
and its fruits;
XPN: If expressly provided by the donor, testator or grantor that
they shall form part of the community property
Property for personal and exclusive useof either spouse;
XPN: Jewelries shall form part of the ACP because of their
monitary value.
Property acquired before the marriage by one with
legitimate descendants by former marriage and its fruits
and income;

Those excluded by the marriage settlement.

 Presumption
Property acquired during the marriage is
presumed to belong to the community, unless
proven otherwise by strong and convincing
evidence. (Art .93)
 CHARGES UPON AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY
1. The support of the spouses, their common
children, and legitimate children of either spouse;
2. All debts and obligations contracted during the
marriage by:
a. the designated administratorspouse for the benefit
of the community
b. by both spouses
c. by one spouse with the consent of the other;
3. Debts and obligations contracted by either
spouse without the consent of the other to the
extent that the family may have been benefited;
 CHARGES UPON AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY
4. All taxes, liens, charges and expenses, including
major or minor repairs, upon the community property;
5. All taxes and expenses for mere preservationmade
during marriage upon the separate property of either
spouse used by the family;
6. Expenses to enable either spouse to commence or
complete a professional or vocational course, or other
activity for selfimprovement;
7. Ante nuptial debts of either spouse insofar as they
have redounded to the benefit of the family;
 CHARGES UPON AND OBLIGATIONS
OF THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY
8. The value of what is donated or promised by both spouses in
favor of their common legitimate children for the exclusive purpose
of commencing or completing a professional or vocational course or
other activity for selfimprovement;
9. Payment, in case of absence or insufficiency of the exclusive
property of the debtorspouse, of:
a. Ante nuptial debts of either spouse which did not redound to the
benefit of the family;
b. the support of illegitimatechildren of either spouse;
c. liabilities incurred by either spouse by reason of a crime or
quasidelict;
Note: The payment of which shall be considered as advances to be deducted
from the share of the debtorspouse upon liquidation of the community
10. Expenses of litigation between the spouses.
XPN: Suit is found to be groundless, it cannot be charged against the
ACP.
 OWNERSHIP, ADMINISTRATION,
ENJOYMENT AND DISPOSITION OF
THE COMMUNITY PROPERTY
Right to administer the community property
GR: It belongs to both spouses jointly.
XPN: If one spouse is incapacitated or otherwise unable to
participate in the administration of the common properties
capacitated or able spouse may assume sole powers of
administration

But such powers do not include: DAE

Disposition;
Alienation; or
Encumbrance of the conjugal or community property
 In case of disagreement
That of the husband but subject to recourse to
the court by the wife for proper remedy.
Note: Prescriptive period for recourse is 5
years from the date of the contract
implementing such decision.
Acts without the consent of the other
or without court approval
If one spouse acts without the consent of the
other or without court approval, such
disposition or encumbrance is void.

However, the transaction shall be construed as

a continuing offer on the part of the
consenting spouse and the 3rd person which
may be perfected as a binding contract upon
acceptance by the spouse or court approval.
 Community property is insufficient
GR: The spouses shall be solidarily liable for the unpaid
balance with their separate properties.
XPN: Those falling under paragraph 9 of Art. 94.
(Antenuptial debts, support of illegitimate children,
liabilities incurred by spouse by reason of a crime or
quasidelict) in which case the exclusive property of
the spouse who incurred such debts will be liable.
However, if the exclusive property is insufficient,
payment will be considered as advances to be
deducted from share of debtorspouse. (Art. 94 (9) of
the Family Code)
 Abandonment
When a spouse leaves the conjugal dwelling
without intention of returning.
Note:3 months disappearance without any
information as to the spouses whereabouts shall
be prima facie presumption of abandonment of
the other spouse. (Art. 101, FC)
 Remedies to Abandonment
Petition the court for:
Receivership;
Judicial separation of property;
Authority to be the sole administrator of the
absolute community.
 Sale between spouses
GR: No, such sale is considered void
XPNs:
When a separation of property was agreed upon
in the marriage settlement;
When there has been a judicial separation of
property under Articles 135 and 136 of FC (Art.
1490, NCC).
 DISSOLUTION OF COMMUNITY
REGIME

1. Death of either spouse;

2. Legal separation;
3. Annulment;
4. Judicial separation of property during
marriage.
 Procedure in case of dissolution of
ACP
1. Inventory of all properties;
2. Payment of community debts;
Note: First, pay out of the community assets. If not enough, husband and
the wife are solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their separate
properties
3. Delivery to each spouse of his/her remaining exclusive properties;

4. Equal division of net community assets

Unless there is:
a. An agreement for a different proportion; or
b. A voluntary waiver of such share;

5. Delivery of the presumptive legitimes of the children;

6. Adjudication of conjugal dwelling and custody of common children.

 Procedure in case of dissolution of
ACP in case of death
Community property shall be liquidated in the
same proceeding for the settlement of the
estate of the deceased.
If no judicial proceeding is instituted, the
surviving spouse shall, judicially or
extrajudicially, liquidate the community
property within 6 months from the death of
the deceased spouse. (Art. 103)
 Failure to liquidate
Failure to do so would render any disposition
or encumbrance involving community
property of the terminated marriage void.
 CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP OF GAINS.
It is the property relation formed by the
husband and the wife by placing in a common
fund:
1. the proceeds, product, fruits and income of
their separate properties;
2. those acquired by them through:
a. effort
b. chance
Conjugal partnership commences
At the precise moment when the marriage
ceremony is celebrated.
 Exclusive properties of the spouses
1. Those brought into the marriage as his/her own;
Note: A property purchased before the marriage and fully
paid during the marriage remains to be a separate
property of either spouse. (Lorenzo v. Nicolas, L4085, July
30, 1952)

2.Those acquired during the marriage by gratuitous title;

3. Those acquired by right of redemption, barter or
exchange with exclusive property;
4. That purchased with exclusive money of either spouse.
Note: The controlling factor is the source of the money
used, or the money promised to be paid.
 Improvement of exclusive property

Reverse accession If the cost of the

improvement and the additional value is more
than the value of the principal property at the
time of the improvement, the property becomes
conjugal.
2. Accession If the cost of the improvement and
the additional value is equal to or less than the
value of the principal property, the entire
property becomes the exclusive property of the
spouses
 Property that Constitutes CPG
Those acquired during the marriage with conjugal funds;
Those obtained from labor, industry, work or profession of
either or both spouse;
Fruits of conjugal property due or received during the
marriage and net fruits of separate property;
Share of either spouse in hidden treasure;
Those acquired through occupation such as hunting or
fishing;
Livestock in excess of what was brought to the marriage;
Those acquired by chance such as winnings in gamblings
and bettings
Property acquired through Installment

full ownership was vested before the marriage

it shall belong to the buyer spouse.
full ownership was vested during the marriage
it shall belong to the conjugal partnership.
 Charges upon CPG
1.Support of the spouses, their common children and the legitimate
children of either spouse;
2. Debts and obligations contracted by one without the consent of the
other to the extent that the family benefited;
3. Debts and obligations contracted during the marriage by an
administratorspouse, both spouses or one with the consent of the other;
4. Taxes, liens, charges, expenses upon conjugal property;
5. Taxes and expenses for mere preservation of separate property;
6. Expenses for professional, vocational or selfimprovement courses of
either spouse;
7. Antenuptial debts to the extent the family has been benefited;
8. Value of what is donated or promised to common legitimate children
for professional, vocation or self improvement courses;
9.Expenses of litigation.
 right to administer the conjugal
partnership
GR: It belongs to both spouses jointly.
XPN:If one spouse is incapacitated or otherwise
unable to participate in the administration of the
common properties capacitated or able spouse
may assume sole powers of administration
But such powers do not include:
a. Disposition;
b. Alienation; or
c. Encumbrance of the conjugal or community
property.
Steps in the liquidation of the CPG
1.Inventory of all the properties;
2. Restitution of advances made to each of the spouses;
3. Reimbursement for use of exclusive funds;
4. Debts and obligations of the CP are paid;
5. Delivery of exclusive properties
6.Payment of losses and deterioration of movables
belonging to each of the spouses;
7.Division of the net conjugal partnership;
8.Delivery of the childrens presumptive legitimes;
9.Adjudication of conjugal dwelling and custody of children.
community property is not liquidated

1.Any disposition or encumbrance made by the

surviving spouse involving community property of
the terminated marriage shall be void.
2. Should the surviving spouse contract a
subsequent marriage a mandatory regime of
complete separation of property shall govern the
property relations of the subsequent marriage
 sufficient causes for judicial
separation of property
1.Civil interdiction of the spouse of petitioner;
2. Judicial declaration of absence;
3. Loss of parental authority as decreed by the
court;
4. Abandonment or failure to comply with family
obligation;
5. Administrator spouse has abused authority;
6. Separation in fact for one year and
reconciliation is highly improbable.
 effects of judicial separation of
property between spouses
The absolute community or conjugal
partnership is dissolved;
The liability of the spouses to creditors shall
be solidary with their separate properties;
Mutual obligation to support each other
continues;
XPN: When there is legal separation
Rights previously acquired by creditors are not
prejudiced.
 SEPARATION OF PROPERTY

1.Marriage settlement
2. Family Code in suppletory character.
Governs regime of separation of property
 kinds of separation of property
As to extent:
a. Total
b. Partial In this case, the property not agreed
upon as separate shall pertain to the absolute
community.
As to kinds of property:
a. Present property
b. Future property
c. Both present and future property
 rights of the spouses under the
regime of separation of property

Each spouse shall administer, dispose of, own,

possess, and enjoy his or her own separate
property, without need of the consent of the
other.

Each spouse shall own all earnings from his or her

profession, business and industry and all fruits,
natural, industrial or civil, due or received during
the marriage from his or her separate property.
 liabilities for family expenses of the
spouses under the regime of
separation of property
GR: Both spouses shall bear the family
expenses in proportion to their income.
XPN: In case of insufficiency or default
thereof, to the current market value of their
separate properties.
Spouses shall be solidarily liable to creditors
for family expenses.
 PROPERTY REGIME OF UNIONS
WITHOUT MARRIAGE
ART. 147 ART. 148
Applicability
1.No legal impediment to marry; Presence of legal impediment:
2. Void marriage on the ground of Adulterous relationships
psychological incapacity. Bigamous/polygamous marriages
Incestuous void marriages under Art 37
Void marriages by reason of public policy
(Art. 38)
Salaries & wages
Owned in equal shares Separately owned by the parties. If any is
married, his/her salary pertains to the
CPG of the legitimate marriage
Property exclusively acquired
Belongs to party Belongs to such party
upon proof of acquisition through
exclusive funds
 ART. 147 ART. 148
Property acquired by both through their work or industry
Governed by rules of coownership Owned in common in proportion to their
respective contributions
Presumption
Property acquired while living together No presumption of joint acquisition.
presumed obtained by their joint efforts, Actual joint contribution of money,
work or industry and owned by them in property or industry shall be owned by
equal shares. them in common proportion.
If one party did not participate in However, their contributions are
acquisition: presumed equal, in the absence if proof
presumed to have contributed through to the contrary
care and maintenance of family and
household (Buenaventura v.
Buenaventura, G.R. No. 127358, Mar. 31,
2005)
 ART. 147 ART. 148
Forfeiture
When only one is in GF, share of party in If one of the parties is validly married to
BF in the coownership be forfeited in another, his/her share in the
favor of: coownership shall accrue to the ACP or
1.their common children CPG existing in the marriage.
2.innocent party If the party who acted in BF is not validly
married to another or if both parties are
in default of / waiver by any/all common in BF, such share be forfeited in manner
children, or by provided in last par of Art. 147
their descendants
Proof of actual contribution
Not necessary Necessary
 Presumption
Note: For as long as it is proven that property was acquired
during marriage, the presumption of conjugality will attach
regardless in whose name the property is registered
The presumption is not rebutted by the mere fact that the
certificate of title of the property or the tax declaration is in
the name of one of the spouses. (Villanueva v. CA, G.R. No.
143286, Apr. 14, 2004)
Under Art. 148, only the properties acquired by both
parties through their actual joint contribution of money
property or industry shall be owned by them in proportion
to their respective contributions. (Agapay v. Palang, G.R.
No. 116726, July 28, 1997)
 Family relations

1.Between husband and wife

2. Between parents and children
3. Among other ascendants and descendants
4. Among brothers and sisters, whether of the
full ot half blood.
 suit between members of the same
family may prosper requirement

1.Earnest efforts toward a compromise have

been made;
2. Such efforts failed;
3. The fact that earnest efforts toward a
compromise have been made but the same
have failed appears in the verified complaint
or petition..
 THE FAMILY HOME
It is the dwelling house where the husband
and wife and their family reside, and the land
on which it is situated; it is constituted jointly
by the husband and the wife or by an
unmarried head of a family.
 exceptions to the rule that the FH is
exempt from execution
1.Debts due to Laborers, mechanics,
architects, builders, material men and others
who rendered service or furnished materials
for the constitution of the building;
2. Nonpayment of Taxes;
3. Debts incurred Prior to constitution;
4. Debts secured by Mortgages on the family
home.
 guidelines in the constitution of the
family home
FH is deemed constituted from the time of Actual
occupation as a family residence;
only 1 FH may be constituted;
Must be Owned by the person constituting it;
Must be Permanent;
Same rule applies to both valid and voidable marriages
and even to common law spouses; (Arts. 147 and 148)
It Continues despite death of one or both spouses or
an unmarried head of the family for 10 years or as long
as there is a minor beneficiary.
 beneficiaries of a FH

Husband and wife, or unmarried head of the

family
Parents (may include parentsinlaw),
ascendants, brothers and sisters (legitimate or
illegitimate) living in the FH and dependent on
the head of the family for support
 requisites in the sale, alienation,
donation, assignment or
encumbrance of the FH
The following must give their written consent:
The person who constituted the FH;
The spouse of the person who constituted the
FH;
Majority of the beneficiaries of legal age.
Note: In case of conflict, court shall decide
 requisites for the creditor to avail of
the right to execute

He must be a judgment creditor;

His claim must not be among those excepted
under Art. 155;
He has reasonable grounds to believe that the
family home is worth more than the maximum
amount fixed in Art. 157.
 procedure in exercising the right to
execute
1.Creditor must file a motion in the court proceeding where he
obtained a favorable judgment for a writ of execution against the
FH;
2. There will be a hearing on the motion where the creditor must
prove that the actual value of the FH exceeds the maximum amount
fixed by the Family Code, either at the time of its constitution or as
a result of improvements introduced after its constitution;
3. If the creditor proves that the actual value exceeds the maximum
amout, the court will order its sale in execution;
4. If the family home is sold for more than the value allowed, the
proceeds shall be applied as follows:
a. The obligations enumerated in Art. 155 must be paid
b. The judgment in favor of the creditor will be paid, plus all the costs
of execution
 PATERNITY AND FILIATION
Paternity and filiation refer to the relationship
existing between parent and child.
Note: Filiation may be by nature or adoption.
Filiation may be legitimate or illegitimate.
 classifications of filiation
Legitimate
Conceived or born within a valid marriage
Illegitimate
Conceived and born outside a valid marriage

Legitimated
Conceived or born outside of wedlock of parents without
impediment to marry at the time of conception and had
subsequently married.
Requisites of Legitimation:
No legal impediment for parents to marry at time of conception;
Valid marriage subsequent to childs birth
 child conceived by artificial
insemination
To be Legitimate the following conditions must be present:

The artificial insemination is made on the wife, not on

another woman;
The artificial insemination on the wife is done with the
sperm of the husband or of a donor, or both the husband
and a donor;
The artificial insemination has been authorized or ratified
by the spouse on a written instrument executed and signed
by them before the birth of the child; and
The written instrument is recorded in the civil registry
together with the birth certificate of the child.
ACTION TO IMPUGN LEGITIMACY ACTION TO CLAIM LEGITIMACY
Action to impugn legitimacy or illegitimacy
Action to impugn legitimacy or Action to claim legitimacy
illegitimacy (compulsory recognition)
Real party in interest
GR: Husband GR: Child
XPN: Heirs, in cases where: XPN: Heirs of the child, in cases where:
Husband died before the expiration of the Child died in state of insanity
period for bringing the action; Child died during minority
Husband died after filing the complaint,
without having desisted; Note: Must be filed within 5 years.
Child was born after the death of
husband.
Prescription
1 year husband reside in the same GR: During the lifetime of the child
municipality or city where birth took XPN: Lifetime of the putative father
place In cases where the action is for the
2 years husband reside NOT in the same recognition of illegitimate child by open
municipality or city and continuous possession of the status.
3 years husband is living abroad
 grounds to impugn legitimacy of the
child
Physical impossibility for the husband to have
sexual intercourse with his wife within the first 120
days of the 300 days which immediately preceded
the birth of the child because of:
a. Physical incapacity of the husband to have
sexual intercourse with his wife,
b. The fact that the husband and wife were living
separately in such a way that sexual intercourse
was not possible, or
c. Serious illness of the husband which absolutely
prevented intercourse;
 grounds to impugn legitimacy of the
child

Proved that for biological or other scientific

reasons, the child could not have been that of the
husband, except in the case of children conceived
through artificial insemination;

In case of children conceived through artificial

insemination, the written authorization or
ratification of either parent was obtained through
mistake, fraud, violence, intimidation or undue
influence.
 prescriptive period
impugning the legitimacy of the child shall be
counted from the knowledge of birth or its
recording in the civil registry.
XPN: If the birth was:
Concealed from or
Was unknown to the husband or his heirs, the
periods shall be counted from the discovery or
knowledge of the birth of the child or of the act of
registration of said birth, whichever is earlier.
 CLAIMING FILIATION
GR: The right to claim filiation may be used
only by the child. It is not transmissible to the
heirs.
XPN: In cases where child died:
During minority or
In a state of insanity.
 When to claim legitimacy
It depends on who is bringing the action:
By the child during his lifetime
By his heirs within 5 years should the child
die during minority or in a state of insanity

Note: Questioning legitimacy may not be

collaterally attacked. It can be impugned only
in a direct action.
 PROOF OF FILIATION
Proof of filiation has two kinds: Primary and secondary.
1. Primary proof consists of the ff:
a. Record of birth appearing in civil registrar or final
judgment;
b. Admission of legitimate filiation in public document or
private handwritten instrument signed by parent
concerned.
2. Secondary consists of the ff:
a. Open and continuous possession of legitimacy;
b. Any means allowed by the Rules of Court and by special
laws.
 Note: Continuous does not mean that the concession
of status shall continue forever but only that it shall not
be of an intermittent character while it continues. The
possession of such status means that the father has
treated the child as his own, directly and not through
others, spontaneously and without concealment
though without publicity.
There must be a showing of permanent intention of
the supposed father to consider the child as his own by
continuous and clear manifestation and paternal
affection and care. (Mendoza v. CA, G.R. No. 86302,
Sept. 24, 1991 )
 To prove open and continuous possession of the status
of an illegitimate child, there must be evidence of
manifestation of the permanent intention of the
supposed father to consider the child as his, by
continuous and clear manifestations of parental
affection and care, which cannot be attributed to pure
charity.
Such acts must be of such a nature that they reveal not
only the conviction of paternity, but also the apparent
desire to have and treat the child as such in all relations
in society and in life, not accidentally, but continuously.
(Jison v. CA, G.R. No. 124853, Feb. 24, 1998)
 instances may an illegitimate child
use the surname of their father

1.Filiation has been Recognized by the father through

the record of birth appearing in the civil register
2. Admission in public document
3. Private handwritten instrument is made by the
father

Note: Provided that the father has the right to institute

an action before the regular courts to prove
nonfiliation during his lifetime
 legitimation
Legitimation is a remedy or process by means
of which those who in fact not born in
wedlock and should therefore be ordinarily
illegitimate, are by fiction, considered
legitimate.
Only children conceived and born outside of
wedlock of parents who, at the time of
conception, were not disqualified by any
impediment to marry each other.
 requisites of legitimation
Child must have been conceived and born
outside of wedlock;
Childs parents, at the time of formers
conception, were not disqualified by any
impediment to marry each other;
The subsequent valid marriage of the parents.
(Art. 177, NCC)
 LEGITIMATE CHILDREN ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN
Surname
Bear the surnames of both parents Bear the surname of either the mother or
(mother and father) the father under R.A. 9255
Support
Receive support from: Receive support according to provision of
Parents; FC
Ascendants; and
in proper cases, brothers and sisters
under Art 174.
Legitime
Full Legitimes and other successional Share is equivalent to of the share of a
rights under the Civil Code legitimate child
 LEGITIMATE CHILDREN ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN
Period for filing action for claim of legitimacy or illegitimacy
His/her whole lifetime regardless of type For primary proof: his/her whole lifetime
of proof provided under Art 172 For secondary proof:
only during the lifetime of the alleged
parent
Transmissibility of right to file an action to claim legitimacy
Yes No
Right to inherit ab intesto
Yes No right to inherit ab intesto from
legitimate children and relatives of father
and mother under Art 992, NCC
(Iron Curtain Rule)
DOMESTIC ADOPTION LAW

ADOPTION
 WHO CAN ADOPT

Filipino;
Alien;
Guardian with respect to his ward
 qualifications of a Filipino
2.Must be of Legal age;
2. In a Position to care for his children;
3. Good moral character;
4. Full civil capacity and legal rights;
5. Not been Convicted of any crime involving moral
turpitude;
6. Emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for
children;
7. GR: At least 16 years older than adoptee
XPN: It is not necessary that adopter be at least 16 years older:
a. Adopter is the biological parent of the adoptee,
b. Adopter is the spouse of adoptees parent.
 qualifications of an alien
1.Possesses Same qualifications as those enumerated for Filipino
adopters;

2. His country has Diplomatic relations with the Philippines;

3. GR: Has been living in the Philippines for at least 3 continuous years
prior to the application for adoption and maintains such residence
until adoption decree has been entered.
XPN:
a. He is a former Filipino who seeks to adopt a relative within the 4th
civil degree of consanguinity or affinity,
b. He is married to a Filipino and seeks to adopt jointly with his spouse
a relative within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity,
c. He is married to a Filipino and seeks to adopt the legitimate or
illegitimate child of his filipino spouse.
 guardian adopt his ward
A guardian may only adopt his ward after
termination of guardianship and clearance of
his financial accountabilities.
 Adoption by a married person
GR: Such person must adopt with his spouse
jointly. The general rule is that husband and
wife shall jointly adopt.
XPN:
One spouse seeks to adopt the legitimate child of
the other;
One spouse seeks to adopt his own illegitimate
child;
Spouses are legally separated.
 Who may be adopted
Any person below 18 of age who has been administratively
or judicially declared available for adoption;
Legitimate child of one spouse by the other spouse;
Illegitimate child by a qualified adopter to improve the
status of said child to that of legitimacy;
Person of legal age, if prior to the adoption, said person has
been consistently considered and treated by adopters as
their child since minority;
Child whose adoption has been previously rescinded;
Child whose biological parents have died provided no
proceedings have been initiated within 6 months from time
of death
 child legally free for adoption
A child voluntarily or involuntarily committed
to the DSWD, freed of his biological parents,
guardians, adopters in case of rescission.
 consent necessary for adoption
Adoptee, if 10 years of age and over;
Biological parents of the child, if known or the legal
guardian, or the proper government instrumentality
which has legal custody of the child;
Legitimate children of the adopter, if 10 years old or
over;
Illegitimate children of the adopter, if 10 years old or
over and living with him;
Spouse of the adopted, if married;
Spouse of the adopter, if married.
 Grounds for rescission of the
adoption
Attempt on the life of the adoptee;
Sexual assault or violence;
Abandonment and failure to comply with
parental obligations;
Repeated physical or verbal maltreatment by
the adopter.
Adopter cannot rescind but may disinherit the
adoptee.
 grounds for disinheritance
1. Groundless accusation against the testator of a crime punishable
by 6 years or more imprisonment;
2. Found guilty of attempt against the life of the testator, his/her
spouse, descendant or ascendant;
3. Causes the testator to make changes or changes a testators will
through violence, intimidation, fraud or undue influence;
4. Maltreatment of the testator by word or deed;
5. Conviction of a crime which carries a penalty of civil interdiction;
6. Adultery or concubinage with the testators wife;
7. Refusal without justifiable cause to support the parent or
ascendant;
8. Leads a dishonorable or disgraceful life.
 effects of adoption
1. GR: Severance of all legal ties between the biological parents and
the adoptee and the same shall then be vested on the adopters
XPN: In cases where the biological parent is the spouse of the adopter;
2. Deemed a legitimate child of the adopter;
3. Acquires reciprocal rights and obligations arising from parentchild
relationship;
4. Right to use surname of adopter;
5. In legal and intestate succession, the adopters and the adoptee
shall have reciprocal rights of succession without distinction from
legitimate filiation. However, if the adoptee and his/her biological
parents had left a will, the law on testamentary succession shall
govern.
 rescission of the adoption in the
Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 (RA

8552
1. If adoptee is still a minor or is incapacitated Restoration of:
a. Parental authority of the adoptees biological parents, if known or
b. Legal custody of the DSWD;
2. Reciprocal rights and obligations of the adopters and adoptee to
each other shall be extinguished;
3. Court shall order the civil registrar to cancel the amended
certificate of birth of the adoptee and restore his/her original birth
certificate;
4. Succession rights shall revert to its status prior to adoption, but
only as of the date of judgment of judicial rescission;
5. Vested rights acquired prior to judicial rescission shall be
respected
INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION ACT OF
1995 (RA 8043)
Adopter

1.Any alien;
2. Filipino citizen, both permanently residing
abroad
 qualifications
1. At least 27 years old and 16 years older than the child to be adopted at
the time of the application unless adopter is the parent by nature of the
child;
2. If married, his spouse must jointly file for adoption;
3. Has the capacity to act or assume all rights and responsibilities of
parental authority;
4. Not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
5. Eligible to adopt under his national law;
6. In a position to provide for proper care and support and give necessary
moral values;
7. Agrees to uphold the basic rights of the child mandated by the UN
convention of rights of Child and the Philippine Laws;
8. Comes from a country with which the Philippines has diplomatic
relations and adoption is allowed under his national law;
9. Possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under
the law or other applicable Philippine laws.
 ADOPTEE
Only a legally free child may be adopted provided
the following are submitted:
Child study;
Birth certificate/ foundling certificate;
Deed of Voluntary Commitment/Decree of
Abandonment/Death Certificate of parents;
Medical evaluation or history;
Psychological evaluation;
Recent photo;
 Child in intercountry adoption
A child is any person below 15 years old
 legallyfree child
A child who has been voluntarily or involuntarily
committed to the DSWD of the Philippines, in
accordance with the Child Youth and Welfare Code
Note: No child shall be matched to a foreign adoptive
family unless it is satisfactorily shown that the child cannot
be adopted in the Philippines
GR: There shall be no physical transfer of a voluntarily
committed child earlier than 6 months from the date of
execution of Deed of Voluntary Commitment.
XPN:
Adoption by relative;
Child with special medical condition.
 trial custody
It is the preadoptive relationship which ranges 6
months from the time of the placement. It starts from
the actual transfer of the child to the applicant who, as
actual custodian, shall exercise substitute parental
authority over the person of the child
Note:
If unsatisfactory the relationship shall be suspended
by the board and the foreign adoption agency shall
arrange for the childs voluntary care.
If satisfactory the Board shall submit the written
consent of the adoption to the foreign adoption agency
within 30 days after the request of the latters request.
 SUPPORT
It comprises everything indispensable for
sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical
assistance and transportation, in keeping with
the financial capacity of the family, including
the education of the person entitled to be
supported until he completes his education or
training for some profession, trade or
vocation, even beyond the age of majority.
(Art. 194, FC)
 characteristics of support
1. Personal
2. Reciprocal on the part of those who are by
law bound to support each other
3. Intransmissible
4. Mandatory
5. Provisional character of support judgment
6. Exempt from attachment or execution
7. Not subject to waiver or compensation
Support comprises of everything indispensable for:
Sustenance
Dwelling
Clothing
Medical attendance
Education includes schooling or training for
some profession, trade or
vocation, even beyond the age of majority
Transportation includes expenses going to and
from school, or to from place of work
 different kinds of support
1. Legal required or given by law;
2. Judicial required by court;
May be:
a. Pendente lite
b. In a final judgment
3. Conventional by agreement.
persons obliged to support each other
Spouses;

Legitimate ascendants & descendants;

Parents and their legitimate children, and the

legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter;

Parents and their illegitimate children, and the

legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter;

Legitimate brothers and sisters

Illegitimate siblings bound for support
GR: Yes.
XPN: when the need for support of the
brother or sister, being of age, is due to a
cause imputable to the claimants fault or
negligence. In this case, the illegitimate
brother or sister has no right to be supported.
PARENTAL AUTHORITY
 patria potestas
The sum total of the rights of parents over the
persons and property of their unemancipated
child.
 parental authority
It shall include:
Caring for and rearing of such children for civic
consciousness and efficiency;
Development of their moral, mental and
physical character and wellbeing.
 characteristics of parental authority
1.Jointly exercised by the father and mother;
2. Natural right and duty of the parents;
3. Cannot be Renounced, transferred or
waived;
XPN: In cases authorized by law;
4. Purely personal;
Note: It cannot be exercised through agents.
5. Temporary.
 rules as to the exercise of parental
authority

The father and the mother shall jointly exercise

parental authority over the persons of their
common children.

Note: In case of disagreement, the fathers

decision shall prevail unless there is a judicial
order to the contrary.
If the child is illegitimate, parental authority is with
the mother.
 parental preference rule
The natural parents, who are of good
character and who can reasonably provide for
the child are ordinarily entitled to custody as
against all persons.
order of substitute parental authority

1.Surviving Grandparent;
2.Oldest brother or sister, over 21 years;
XPN: unfit or disqualified
3.Actual Custodian over 21 year;
XPN: unfit or disqualified
 special parental authority

1.School administrator and teachers;

2. Individual entity or institution engaged in
child care