Professional Documents
Culture Documents
It only impose that the party will appear personally e. The marriage must be done in the zone or area of
before the solemnizing officer and that they take military operation.
f. There must be a widespread military activity over an
each other as husband and wife in the presence of
area and does not refer to a simulated exercise.
at least two witnesses who are of legal age.
5. Consul-General or Vice Consul or Consulcansolemnize
Absence in any of the essential and formal requisite
a marriage if both parties are Filipino and the marriage
will render the marriage void.
is done abroad. The consul is not only the solemnizing
Defect in any of the essential requisite will make the
officer but performs the duties of the civil registrar by
marriage voidable or annullable particularly to the
issuing the marriage license.
giving of consent.
The marriage between a Filipino and a foreigner
Irregularities in the formal requisite do not affect the
by a consul is not considered valid.
validity of the marriage but the person responsible for
6. Mayors, vice mayor or acting mayorcan solemnize
such irregularity can be held civilly, criminally or
marriages by virtue of the Local Government Code
administratively liable.
Instances of Irregularities:
which took effect on January 1, 1992.
a. Marriage solemnized in a place other than in a church or
Article 8: Venue of Marriage
chamber of the judge.
b. Absence of two witnesses who are of legal age.
The venue of marriage stated in this article is directory
c. Issuance of a license in place where neither of the in nature.
parties reside.
d. Issuance of a license w/out the required supporting General Rule:a marriage solemnized by a judge
papers or documents. outside of his court room or by a priest outside of the
e. Absence of a marriage contract. church is valid however, the solemnizer can be held
f. Issuance of license despite failure of the party to liable for it since this will become an irregularity in the
present parental consent or parental advisewhen marriage.
required. Exception:
g. Issuance of license despite absence of posting notice a. When one of the party is at the point of death.
and publication.
h. Failure to undergo marriage counseling.
b. The marriage was contracted in a remote place.
i. Failure to pay the required fee for marriage license. c. When both of the parties request the solemnizing
Marriage certificate is not an essential or formal requisite of a officer in writing to solemnize it elsewhere in sworn
marriage. Failure to sign a marriage certificate itself does not render statement.
the marriage void.
A marriage which preceded the issuance of the marriage is license Article 9, 10: Marriage License
is void and that the subsequent issuance of such license cannot Marriage License
render the marriage valid or add an iota of validity to it.
This serves as the authority given by the State to
Article 7: Persons Authorized to Solemnize Marriage the parties to enter into a contract of marriage.
This is a manifestation that the State is a party of the contract as it is It is the concern of the state to make marriages
represented by the solemnizing officer.
secure and stable institution.
1. Any incumbent member of the judiciarycan solemnize a
marriage only when the ceremony is held within its Article 11-16: Application for Marriage License
territorial jurisdiction, otherwise it is a mere irregularity. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION OF MARRIAGE
2. A priest, an imam, a rabbi, a minister or pastorfollowing LICENSE
this certain conditions: a. The original copy of birth certificate, in the absence
a. Must be authorize by his/her church or religious sect. thereof, the original baptismal certificate of the
b. Must act within the limits of the written authority granted parties.This document is exempt from documentary stamp tax and
to him by his church or religious sect. signature of the official person is enough to prove its authenticity.
c. At least one of the contracting parties belongs to the Except in instances where:
solemnizing officer’s church or religious sect. The parents of the party concerned will
3. A ship captain or airplane chiefcan solemnize marriage personally appear before the local civil
only if one of the parties is at the point of death and registrar and attest to the fact that the said
that the parties must be passengers or crew members party is already of legal age.
of the ship or airplane while it was in transit. When the local civil registrar shall be
4. Military commanderprovided they follow the requisites: convinced by merely looking at the personal
nd
a. He must be a commissioner officer with a rank of 2 appearance of the party that they are of legal
lieutenant ensign and above of the commanding military age.
unit where the chaplain is assigned.
b. The assigned chaplain is absent at the time of marriage When the party has been previously married.
is solemnized. b. If either or the parties were previously married, the
c. The marriage must in articulo mortis death certificate of the deceased spouse or the judicial
d. The contracting parties must be a member of his unit or decree of absolute divorce, annulment of marriage or
a civilian. declaration of nullity of marriage.
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c. In case either party is between the ages of 18-21, they This will request any person having knowledge of
must present a parents consent, absence of which will any impediment to the marriage to inform the local
render the marriage voidable. civil registrar about it.
This must be in an affidavit of sworn statement c. If the LCR will be informed of any impediment of a
that the parents gave their consent. party applying, he shall note down the particulars
Preference is given to the father otherwise the thereof, but should not turn down the issuance of the
mother, surviving parent or legal guardian of marriage license.
persons having charge of them shall give the Even if the LCR is made aware of the impediments of
consent. the marriage, h is still duty bound to issue the license
d. If the party is between the ages of 21-25, parental advice except if he is restrained by the court at his own
is required. instance or of any interested party.
Absence of which will not affect the validity of the Only the court can intervene in issuing the marriage
marriage but will delay the issuance of the license through a court order directing the LCR from
marriage for 3 months following complete non-issuance.
publication of the application. If there is really a legal impediment in the marriage, the
LCR issuing officer can petition the court to restraint him
This is in keeping of family tradition
from the issuing the marriage license or have the other
e. Certificate of marriage counseling in cases where
party petition for it.
parental consent or parental advice is required.
d. The LCR will collect payment of fees for the issuance
Failure to attach the counseling certificate will
of the marriage license in the amount of ₱300.
cause the suspension of the issuance of marriage
However, it is free of charged for indigent people.
license for 3 months. This is only an irregularity to
e. It shall be the duty to prepare the documents such as
the formal requisite.
the marriage certificate and affidavit for the
If one or both of the parties are below 25 years
solemnization of marriage in another place without
old, both of them must attend.
charge to all interested parties.
f. If a party to the marriage is a foreigner, he must present
f. The LCR is the also the one to administer oaths to all
a certificate of legal capacity to marry issued by his
parties interested and to prepare the documents
diplomatic or consular representative in the
required.
Philippines.
g. The LCR concerned, shall be the one to enter to all
g. Place of issue for the Marriage License, the parties should
get a marriage license form the LCR in the municipality or applications for marriage licenses filed with him in a
city where either of the party resides. registry book strictly in order which shall be recorded
Information needed to be specified to the LCR: in the name of the applicants, the date of the marriage
a. Full name of the contracting parties license was issued and such other data as may be
b. Place of birth necessary.
c. Age and date of birth Article 20: Life of the Marriage License
d. Civil status The marriage license once issued is valid anywhere in the
e. If previously married, how, when and where the Philippine for a period of 120 days, if it is not used within that
previous marriage was dissolved or annulled. period is it automatically expired. Marriages solemnized
f. Present citizenship and citizenship using an expired marriage licensed is considered null & void.
g. Degree of relationship of the contracting parties.
h. Full name, residence and citizenship of the father. Article 21: Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry
i. Full name, residence and citizenship of the If both party are foreigners:
mother. It is not necessary for them to present a birth
j. Full name, residence and citizenship of the guardian certificate instead they need to present certificate
or person having charge, in case one of the of legal capacity to contract a marriage duly issued
parties has neither father nor mother, and is under by their respective diplomatic or consular official.
21 years old. The reason for this is that a person’s capacity
to marry is determined by his national law.
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circumstances showing such capacity to A marriage may be proved by evidence of any kind such as “parol”
evidence or testimony by one of the parties or the witnesses to the
contract marriage. marriage or by the person who solemnized the same.
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a. When in a case of marriage between a Filipino ascertained the age and relationship of the parties
citizen and a foreigner and it is the foreigner who and the absence of any legal impediments.
filed for a divorce and after it was granted he must The reason for this is to encourage couples to
be capacitated again to remarry according to his marry and legalize their relationship instead of
national law. This must be proven as a fact by the cohabiting in an illicit relationship.
Filipino spouse before he/she is entitled to remarry
again in our court. Article 33: Marriages among Muslims or Members of Ethnic Cultural
In this case the divorced Filipino citizen is not considered an Communities
“Ipso Facto” capacitated to marry again. The Filipino citizen
must prove as a fact the divorce as enforced by the foreign Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines
judgment by way of declaratory relief since our courts don’t Signed into law on Feb. 4, 1977
take judicial notice on the laws of other countries.
This is the governing law on persons and family
b. If the Filipino spouse has acquired the citizenship of her relations among Muslims.
husband then such divorce is considered as valid here - Under this law, marriage license is not
in our country because of our adherence to the required for the validity of the marriage.
nationality principle in so far as the status of the person For Muslims and Ethnic Cultural Communities
is concerned. - Under the family code, marriage license is not
What is important or the reckoning point is at the time when
the divorce decree was availed of. a requirement for the validity of the marriage
In a case wherein the Filipino citizen is the one who filed for a provided that both parties must be a Muslim or
divorce in another country to his foreigner husband/wife, the a member of the Ethnic Community.
foreigner spouse cannot anymore claim that he still an interest to the
properties of the Filipino citizen here in the Philippines or Article 34: Ratification of Marital Cohabitation
subsequently file an adultery case against the Filipino since the
When the parties have already been living together as
foreigner spouse has lost his legal standing against the Filipino for
the foreigner is already considered divorced by his national law. husband and wife for at least 5 years without any legal
impediments to marry each other, the requirement of a
MARRIAGES EXEMPT FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENT marriage license is no longer needed.
assailed by the parties of persons not a party to the The basic determination of the existence of
the marriage. marriage. psychological incapacity is the failure to comply
with the marital obligation.
Void Ab Initio: This is not insanity or mental illness
1. Those contracted by any party below eighteen It refers to the inability of a party to the marriage to
years of age even with the consent of parents or comply with the essential marital obligations
guardians because of psychological reason. It is not a
2. Those solemnized by any person not legally physical defect because a person who is
authorized to perform marriages unless such psychological incapacitated is one who cannot
marriages were contracted with either or both perform the essential marital obligations as he/she
parties believing in good faith that the solemnizing refuses to do even if physically capacitated to do
officer had the legal authority to do so.
- One of the situations where good faith is taken into
considerations.
It can also refer to “lack of appreciation” of one’s
3. Those solemnized without a license, except those marital obligation and has nothing to do with
covered by the preceding Chapter consent.
The general guide as to the determination as to whether there is
4. Those bigamous or polygamous marriages not psychological incapacity or not is the fact the “Psychological
falling under article 41 which states presumptive Incapacity” refers to the failure to comply with the essential marital
death obligation.
- Another instance where good faith is recognized Quarrels and financial difficulties not constitute psychological
5. Those contracted through mistake of one incapacity. Sexual infidelity on the other hand, is not considered a
psychological incapacity if it is not proven that it already existed
contracting party as to the identity of the other before the marriage
6. Those subsequent marriages that void under Duty of the Solicitor General
Article 53 - To uphold the sanctity of marriage if the marriage is
Collateral Attack of a Void Marriage truly valid and also to expose a void marriage if the
The nullity of the marriage is not the principal or ground of nullity also exists.
main issue of the case but is necessary to the - Its duty is to ensure that there is no collusion or
resolution of the main case. connivance as between the contracting parties.
Good faith of the parties in entering the marriage is
immaterial and it does not validate an otherwise void ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY
marriage. 1. Juridical antecedent
- It must already be existing at the of the
celebration of the marriage
2. Gravity
- It must be a very serious defect
Divorce vs. Void Marriages 3. Incurability
Divorce - It is not curable
- There is a valid marriage but the ground - Also refers to party not being able to afford the
occurred subsequent to the celebration of the cure
It is clear from the foregoing elements that the intention of the law
marriage. has been to confine the meaning of “psychological incapacity” to the
Void in Ab Initio most serious cases of personality disorders clearly demonstrative of
- From the very beginning there was no an utter insensitivity or inability to give meaning and significance to
marriage. the marriage.
The decisions of the matrimonial tribunal of the Catholic Church
- The ground for declaration of its nullity already involving psychological incapacity as a group to annul the marriage
existing at the time the marriage was is greatly helpful and persuasive to our Civil Courts. Although our
celebrated but only manifested after its courts are not bound by the decision of the matrimonial tribunal, the
solemnization. said decision can be used by our Civil Court as a guide in the
determination of the existence psychological incapacity.
Article 36: Void because of Psychological Incapacity Guilty Party can petition for nullity of marriage
This was introduced by E.O. No. 227 on July 17, 1987 as an amendment - The action to declare the marriage void on the ground of
to the Family Code. psychological incapacity can be filed even by the
No clear definition of the psychological incapacity was given since the incapacitated party. The law does not prohibit the guilty
intention of the legislation was to leave the determination of it to the party from bringing the action in court as a void marriage
courts on a case-to-case basis, as to whether a particular situation falls
under the psychological incapacity.
is not ratifiable and the “Pari Delicto Rule” will not apply
The Reason: here.
The presence of psychological incapacity depends upon the facts The Party who is declared psychologically incapacitated
of the case and it can be clearly deduced that the absence of may still contract another marriage
definition was deliberately done because the situations
contemplated by the law vary from one case to another.
- The party who is declared psychologically incapacitated by
the court may still contract marriage since this is a very
Psychological Incapacity
limited and personal ground. Moreover, it does not mean
that just because a person is psychologically incapacitated
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to perform his/her marital obligations with his or her c. The incapacity must be proven to exist at the time of
current spouse, he/she will also psychologically the celebration of the marriage, although it only
incapacitated by another partner. becomes apparent after the celebration of the
Expert Testimonies marriage.
- During the trial for declaration of nullity of marriage on the d. The incapacity must be shown to be medically or
ground of psychological incapacity, expert testimonies of a
psychologist or psychiatrist is not a requirement for a clinically permanent or incurable, however this is not
declaration of psychological incapacityand that it is not a regarded as an absolute fact against everyone in the
condition “sine qua non” for such declaration. The court same gender.
may base its decision on the totality of the evidence other e. The illness must also be grave enough to prevent the
than the findings of such expert witness. However, expert party from assuming the essential marital obligations.
testimonies may help in the resolution of the case. f. The essential marital obligations must be those
mentioned in article 68-71 of the Family Code, as well
Testimony of the Psychologist did NOT constitute as sufficient
evidence for Psychological Incapacity:
as Article 220, 221 and 225.
g. The interpretations given by the National Appellate
The diagnosis was only based on interviews with
Matrimonial Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the
petitioning spouse and that the psychologist did not
Philippines, while not controlling or decisive, should be
actually hear, see and evaluate the respondent who
given great respect by our courts.
was alleged to be psychologically incapacitated.
The testimony of the psychologist constituted as
CANON 1095: CASES F PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
hearsay. Furthermore, the psychologist failed to a. Hypersexuality-nymphomania
explain how such personality disorder made the b. Hypersexuality-styriasis
respondent psychologically incapacitated and to c. Homosexuality
prove the same is so grave and permanent. d. Lesbianism
(Jordan Chan Paz vs. JeanicePaz G.R. No. 166579) e. Schizophrenia
f. Affective immaturity
Testimony of the Psychologist CONSTITUTE as sufficient g. Anti-social personality disorder
evidence for Psychological Incapacity: h. Dependent personality disorder
The Supreme Court ruled that lack of personal i. Vaginismus or psychic impotence
examination and interview of the respondent or any j. Sexual disorder
person diagnosed with personality disorder, does k. Psychoneurosis
not per se invalidate the testimony of the doctors. l. Lack of interpersonal integration
Neither do their findings automatically constitute m. Immature personality
hearsay that would result in their exclusion in n. Obsessive-compulsive Personality
evidence. If the psychiatrist or psychologist’s o. Frigidity
p. Alcoholism and gambling
assessment were not based solely on the narration q. Liar, cheat and swindler
or personal interview of the petitioner but also on r. Sexual neurosis
other informants such as respondent’s own son, s. Hysterical personality
siblings and in-laws and sister-in-law who all t. Psychic immaturity
testified on their own observations of respondent’s Najera vs. Najera G.R. No. 164817, July 3, 2007:
behavior and interactions with them. The decision of the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal to be
(Reyes vs. Reyes G.R. No. 185286) given weight and respect by our courts, it must be anchored in
The testimony of the psychiatrist is found to be general, not in depth, Canon 1095, par. 3 which is the basis of Article 36. Thus, if the
does not establish link between actions of party and his supposed decision of the said tribunal is based on par. 2 of Canon 1095, the
psychological incapacity court should not give weight to it.
Moral Damages
- Moral damages cannot be recovered from the guilty party REQUISITES FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY AS A
in an action for declaration of nullity of marriage on the GROUND FOR ANNULLMENT
ground of psychological incapacity. This is because a (a) A true inability to commit oneself to the essentials of
psychological incapacitated person is not aware of his marriage.
incapacity and therefore cannot be held answerable for (b) This inability to commit oneself must refer to the
moral damage. essential obligations of marriage:
Conjugal act
MOLINA DOCTRINE AS AMENDED BY A.M. NO. 20-11-10-SC Community of life and love
Rendering of mutual help
a. The burden of proof to show the nullity of marriage
The procreation and education of offspring
belongs to the plaintiff.
(c) The inability must be tantamount to a psychological
b. The parties may medically or clinically identify the root
abnormality.
cause of the psychological incapacity alleged in the It is not enough to prove that the spouse failed to meet his
complaint by an expert; however this is not anymore responsibility and duty as a married person; it is essential that he
required but regarded as an option which may be must be shown to be incapable of doing so due to some
helpful in deciding the case. psychological illness.
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This is the only instance where there is a valid bigamous marriage - The absentee shall be presumed dead for all purposes
If a spouse is absent for 4 consecutive years and the except for succession, in which cases, the absentee
present spouse has a reasonable and well-founded shall be presumed dead after the lapse of 10 years.
belief that the absent spouse is already dead, he/she Article 391:
- An absentee who is 75 years old and above is
may contract a second marriage provided that he/she presumed dead if he has been absent for 5 years, still
first obtain a judicial declaration of presumptive death unknown whether or not the absentee is still alive.
of the absent spouse. The decision of the court declaring the spouse presumptively dead
“Well-founded Belief” under article 41 is unappealable and is immediately executor since it
- Supreme Court states that the meaning of the term falls under the Summary Judicial Proceedings in the Family Law.
well-founded belief is the exercise of that degree of
due care diligence required in searching for a missing ABSENT SPOUSE TURNS OUT TO BE ALIVE
spouse.
If the absent spouse turns out to be alive, then the
REQUIREMENTS FOR DECLARATION OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH
subsequent marriage contracted by the present
1. The absentee spouse must have been absent for 4 or spouse will be automatically terminated but only upon
2 years under the circumstance prescribed by law. the execution of the affidavit of reappearance by the
2. The present spouse must not know the whereabouts reappearing spouse or any of the interested party.
of the absent spouse.
3. There must be a well-founded belief that the absent Affidavit of Reappearance:
spouse is already dead. - This shall be recorded in the office of the Local Civil
4. There must be an institution of a summary action for Registrar of the place where the present and the
the declaration of presumptive death of the absent subsequent spouse resides.
spouse. - The recording of this document is the operative act
5. There must be final judgment declaring the absent that terminates the subsequent marriage without
spouse presumptively dead. prejudice to the outcome of any judicial proceeding
questioning the reappearance.
Republic of the Philippines vs. Gregorio Nolasco
The Supreme Court denied the petition of a Filipino seaman to declare his
wife presumptively dead for his failure to conduct a search for his missing Who can execute the Affidavit?
wife with such diligence to give rise to a well found belief that she was dead. (a) Reappearing spouse
The 4-year period can be shorted to 2 years if the (b) Or any interested party such as the parents of
presumptive death is under the circumstances of great spouses, their children, the remarried spouse or
danger (Article 391 of the Civil Code) even the subsequent spouse of the remarried
If the absent spouse was on a vessel and the spouse.
same was lost during sea voyage and he has
not been heard of for two years since the loss. Bigamous but Valid Marriage:
The absent spouse was on an airplane which - The fact that the absent spouse is still alive renders
was missing and such spouse was not heard the subsequent marriage as a bigamous but valid
of for two years since the loss of the airplane. marriage.
The absent spouse who was in the armed - This means that the second marriage is bigamous yet
forces has taken part in the war and has been it is still valid by virtue of the judicial declaration of
missing for two years. presumptive death.
When the absent spouse has been in danger
EFFECTS OF TERMINATION OF THE SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE
of death under other circumstances.
The judicial declaration of presumptive death under Article 41 of the 1. The children of the subsequent marriage conceived are
Family Code is mandatorily required by law only for the purpose of considered legitimate. However, children born after the
capacitating the present spouse to remarry. second marriage is dissolved are considered
The extraordinary absence is only for the purpose of remarriage of illegitimate.
the remaining spouse however, for the division and liquidation of the
estate and money of the previous marriage, this will only happen
after 4 years of consecutive absence of the absentee spouse. 2. The property relations of the parties; be it absolute or
conjugal partnership, shall be dissolved and liquidated.
General Rule: Judicial declaration of presumptive death is The party who contracted the marriage in bad faith
required as such is a presumption that arises from law. shall forfeit his/her share in the net profit community
Exception: No judicial declaration of presumption of death is property in favor of their common children, or if
needed in cases of Article 390 and 391 of the Civil Code before there none, the children of the guilty spouse by a
the effectivity of the Family Code, since these are presumption previous marriage or in default thereof, by the
that arises from law
innocent spouse.
Article 390:
- The person has been absent for 7 years, it being
unknown whether or not the absentee still lives.
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Midterm Exam for Persons & Family Relations cma
3. A donation by reason of marriage made by the innocent - To determine the degree of the of intimidation, the age, sex and
condition of the person shall be borne in mind.
spouse in favor of the guilty spouse isrevoked by
operation of law. CANNOT be ratified by Cohabitation
5. Either party was physically incapable of consummating
4. The designation of the guilty spouse as the beneficiary the marriage with the other, or such incapacity
of the insurance policy of the innocent spouse may be continues and appears to be incurable.
revokedby the latter even if there is a designation that it - This refers to impotency and not sterility.
is irrevocable. - Potency is always presumed, thus, whoever claims that his/her
spouse is impotent has the burden of proving it. However, the
presumption of potency is rebutted if the wife remains a virgin after
5. The party who contracted the subsequent marriage in three years from the time of their cohabitation, which is called the
Doctrine of Triennial Cohabitation.
bad faith shall be disqualified to inherit from the
innocent spouse. 6. Either party was inflicted with a sexually transmissible
If both parties are guilty of bad faith, the marriage
disease found to be serious and appears to be
shall be void ab initio and all donations are revoked by incurable.
- This is a ground to annul of marriage if it is both serious and
law. Since the marriage is void, the separation of incurable. It can be a ground a ground if it already existed at the time
property will be governed by co-ownership under of the marriage and it was concealed by the guilty spouse.
Article 147 or 148 of the Family Code. Any of the following circumstances shall constitute
The subsequent marriage entered into after the judicial declaration
of presumptive death can only be terminated when the first spouse
fraud:
files an affidavit of reappearance. 1. Non-disclosure of a previous conviction by final
judgment of the other party of a crime involving moral
turpitude.
- It is not necessary for the spouse to verify first before the marriage
whether or not the other spouse has a previous conviction since the
Article 45-46: Grounds for Annulment of Marriage burden of proof is on the convicted party to divulge is criminal
records
The grounds for the annulment of a voidable marriage 2. Concealment by the wife of the fact that the time of the
enumerated in article 45 of the Family Code must marriage, she was pregnant by a man other than his
already be existing at the time of celebration of the husband.
- This could only be appreciated as a fraud when the concealment of
marriage. If the grounds occurred only after the celebration the pregnancy is still very possible. Thus, the husband could no
of the marriage it cannot be used as a ground to annul the longer claim concealment of pregnancy when it is very obvious that
marriage. the woman is already pregnant.
- The reason why this is a ground for annulment is because, any child
born after the celebration of marriage is considered a legitimate child
Can be Ratified by Cohabitation of the husband, and it would be unfair for the man to take care of the
(Cohabitation means sexual intercourse) child which is not his.
1. Absence of parental consent for a party who is over 18 3. Concealment of sexually transmissible disease,
but below 21 years of age. Unless, after reaching the regardless of nature, existing at the time of the
age of 21, such party freely cohabitated with the other marriage.
and both lived together as husband and wife. 4. Concealment of drug addiction, habitual alcoholism or
homosexuality or lesbianism existing at the time of
2. Either party was of unsound mind, unless such party marriage.
after coming to reason freely cohabited with other as - Only when it already existed at the time of the marriage and was
concealed by said party from the other
husband and wife.
No other misrepresentation or deceit as to character,
3. The consent of either party was obtained by fraud, health, rank, fortune or chastity shall constitute such
unless such party afterwards, with full knowledge of fraud as will give grounds for action for the annulment
the facts constituting the fraud, freely cohabited with of marriage.
other as husband and wife. The grounds for annulment is exclusive, thus, only those specified in
- Vitiated consent must be proven by preponderance of evidence which Articles 45-46 of the Family Code shall be considered.
may include the actuation of the parties previous to the marriage.
Article 47: Prescriptive Period for Annulment of Marriage
4. The consent of either party was obtained through If the ground is absence of parental consent
force, intimidation or undue influence, unless when - The prescriptive period is 5 years from the time
such has disappeared or ceased to exist, the party the party who did not secure the parental consent
thereafter freely cohabited with the other as husband reaches 21 years old.
and wife. - The parents of the party who did not acquire a
- This is appreciated only when the one of the contracting parties is parental consent can also annul the marriage at
compelled by a reasonable and well-founded fear of an imminent and any time before their son/daughter reaches 21
grave evil upon his person and property or upon the person or
property of his/her spouse, descendants or ascendants, to give his years old.
consent. In this order: father, mother, legal guardian
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If the ground is insanity Although Article 48 does not specifically state the
- No prescriptive period but will be ratified by OSG, such office is nevertheless can intervene in the
cohabitation if after the insane becomes sane still proceeding considering that issue of validity of the
continued to cohabit with the other spouse. marriage is vested with public interest.
- The sane spouse or the relatives or guardian of Republic vs. Joy, G.R. No. 152577, September 21, 2005:
It is their duty not only to defend the validity of the marriage and
the insane spouse may annul the marriage at any prevent collusion between the parties but also to expose an invalid
time before the death of either spouse. one. The prosecuting attorney is required to actively participate in
- The insane spouse may annul the marriage only the proceedings and submit a memorandum.
during his lucid interval. General Rule: The Fiscal must actively intervene in the
If the ground is fraud case and submit a report to the court that there was no
- The action prescribed after 5 years from the collusion between the parties.
discovery of the fraud.
If the ground is vitiated consent through force, Exception: If the annulment or declaration of nullity of
intimidation or undue influence marriage was strongly opposed & heatedly contested by
- The prescriptive period is 5 years from the time the defendant by hiring a lawyer who filed several
the force, intimation or undue influence ceased to pleadings and actively participated in the trial of the case.
exist. The non-intervention of the fiscal to assure lack of collusion
- The party may only be instituted by the party between the parties is not fatal to the validity of the
whose consent was vitiated. proceedings in court especially when it was not shown that
evidence was suppressed or fabricated by any of the parties.
If the ground is physical incapability to consummate the In this case, the strict application of Article 48 and 60 of the
marriage or sexually transmissible disease Family Code is unwarranted.
- This is physical incapability to do the sexual act. Compromise Agreement of Property Separation:
- The action for annulment can be filed by the The partial voluntary separation of property agreed
injured party within 5 years from the time of the upon by the parties through a compromise agreement
celebration of the marriage. approved by the court prior to the declaration of nullity
of marriage is valid.
Manquilan vs. Manquilan, G.R. No. 155409, June 8, 2007:
Article 48-49: Procedures in Annulment & Nullity of Marriage The non-participation of the prosecuting attorney or the Solicitor
STEP 1: General in the nullity of marriage case does not invalidate the
Filing in the Family Court the complaint for Annulment or compromise agreement previously entered into the by the parties.
Declaration of Marriage An agreement to separate property is not itself an indicator of
collusion. In fact, there is no need for the Fiscal to participate in the
The defendant shall be served with summons and a
negotiation leading to the agreement.
copy of the complaint whereby he is given 15 days to
STEP 2:
file his answer from receipt thereof.
During the Pendency of the Action of Annulment or
If no answer is filed by the defendant within 15 days: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage
The support of the spouses and the custody & support
The court cannot declare the defendant in default of the common children:
The court will order the prosecuting attorney or fiscal
assigned to it to enter his appearance for the State General Rule: The support of the spouses and the
- To take steps to prevent collusion between the custody and support of the common children will be
parties primarily governed by whatever agreement the parties
- To insure that evidence is not fabricated or have made.
suppressed
- To defend a valid marriage In the absence of such agreement:
- To expose an invalid one The support of the spouse and common children
After conducting an investigation, the fiscal is - Shall be taken from the conjugal or absolute community
mandated by law to make a report to the court on the until the marriage is dissolved.
result of his investigation. If there is no collusion the The custody of the common children
fiscal will submit a report of no collusion to the court. - This shall be resolved in accordance with Article 213 of
The court cannot render judgment on the basis of stipulation of facts the Family Code which states that “in case of separation
or confession of judgment. An Annulment case cannot be terminated of the parents, parental authority shall be exercised by the
compromise agreement and no valid compromise is legally possible parent designated by the court. The court shall take into
on the issue of the validity of marriage account all relevant considerations, especially the choice
A full blown hearing is required in case where the plaintiff is required of the child over 7 years old, unless the parent chosen is
to prove his case in court. The policy of the State is to be cautious unfit.
and strict in granting annulment of marriage, thus, the law strictly No child under 7 years old shall be separated from the
prohibits the annulment of marriage w/out trial. mother unless the court finds compelling reasons to order
The State shall be represented by the OSG or by the otherwise. ”
Fiscal in all cases of nullity and annulment of marriage: - Should the court award the custody of the child to one
parent during the pendency of the case, the other
spouse should have visitorial rights unless the court, for
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Midterm Exam for Persons & Family Relations cma
some compelling reason, deprives him or her of such - This is the part of the testator’s property which he
rights. However, visitorial can be reinstated if it showed cannot dispose of because the law has reserved it
that the deprivation is too harsh or is no longer present. for certain heirs called compulsory heirs.
STEP 3: The presumptive Legitime of the children shall be delivered to
Upon receipt of verified petition for declaration of absolute them in cash, property or sound security and it must be
nullity of Marriage or Annulment of Marriage or Legal provided in the decree
Separation - This is only required only in the dissolution of marriage
The Court may issue Provisional Orders: in Article 40. It is not required in other forms of void
This upon application under oath of any parties may issue marriages because said marriages are to be governed
provisional orders and protection orders with or w/out a by co-ownership.
bond, for such period and under such terms and conditions The partition and distribution of the properties of the
as the court may deem necessary. spouses and the delivery of the presumptive legitimes
Includes: to be children shall be recorded in the Office of the
1) Spousal support LCR and in the Registry of Deeds in order to bind the
2) Child support rd
3 person.
3) Child custody
4) Visitation rights - Non-compliance of the said requirement will
5) Hold departure order render the subsequent marriage of the parties null
6) Order of protection and void
Article 50-54: Decree of Annulment and Nullity of Marriage
LEGAL SEPARATION
Effects of Annulment and Nullity of Marriage
Legal Separation a.k.a. Relative Divorce
Shall be according to Article 43 of the Family Code
1. Children under voidable marriage will still be - This does not dissolve the marriage as it is nothing
more than a separation in bed-and-board (a
considered legitimate however for children born
mensa et thoro) of the spouses.
under a void marriage, they will become
- In the eyes of the law, the husband and wife are
illegitimate children
Except: still married to each other but they are already
Children conceived and born before the nullity allowed to live separately.
of marriage on the ground of psychological
Article 55: Grounds for Legal Separation
incapacity under 36 became final are
Grounds for Legal Separation:
considered legitimate These are exclusive grounds and therefore no other grounds
Children conceived and born of subsequent for legal separation can be invoked except those stated in
void marriage under Article 53 are also Article 55
considered legitimate. These grounds need not to exist prior to the marriage as
2. Properties may be separated to whatever they even usually occur after the marriage
agreement they may have agreed to.
3. Donations to one another will remain valid but if 1. Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive conduct
the done is the guilty spouse, then the donation directed against the petitioner, a common child or a
will be revoked by operation of law. child of the petitioner.
4. Insurance beneficiaries designated to the guilt 2. Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the
spouse may be revoked even if it is irrevocable. petitioner to change religious or political affiliation.
5. The guilty spouse is barred from inheritance to the 3. Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the
innocent spouse either by testate or intestate petitioner, a common child, or child of the petitioner to
succession. engage in prostitution or connivance in such corruption
Dissolution of the conjugal partnership or inducement.
a. The properties will be liquidated and distributive 4. Final judgment sentencing the respondent to
according to the comprise agreement of the imprisonment of more than 6 years, even if pardoned.
spouses or to their pre-nuptial agreement. 5. Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism of the
However, absence of which, the absolute respondent.
community of property regime will govern. 6. Lesbianism or homosexuality of the respondent.
b. If the union is without marriage 7. Contracting of the respondent of a subsequent
- The property regime shall be governed by the rule of co-ownership bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or
provided for in Articles147 & 148, and not the conjugal partnership
of gains or absolute community property. abroad.
c. All creditors of both parties must be notified and 8. Sexual infidelity or perversion
the conjugal dwelling shall be adjudicated in favor 9. Attempt by the respondent against the life of the
of the spouse with whom majority of the common petitioner
children choose to remain. - This must not be justified by self-defense or that
Presumptive Legitime the spouse attacked was caught in flagrante
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Midterm Exam for Persons & Family Relations cma
delicto having carnal knowledge with another man This refers to an arrangement between the
or woman. spouses to obtain a decree of legal separation by
- Criminal conviction is not required as the attempt secret maneuvers or pretensions by making it
on the life of another spouse may be proven by appear that a valid ground exist even if there is
preponderance of evidence. none.
10. Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without
justifiable cause for more than 1 year. Article 58-59: Procedures for Legal Separation
Death of one party extinguishes a pending action for legal
Criminal conviction of adultery or concubinage separation.
- is not required in the action for legal separation. The
court may grant legal separation by mere
preponderance of evidence.
Other acts of sexual infidelity short of adultery and
concubinage are enough as long as the said acts constitute STEP 1:
a clear betrayal of the trust of one spouse. Thus, even a Filing in the Family Court the complaint for Annulment or
husband single act of sexual intercourse with another Declaration of Marriage
woman is already ground for legal separation. The defendant shall be served with summons and a
copy of the complaint whereby he is given 15 days to
Lesbianism, homosexuality, drug addiction and habitual
file his answer from receipt thereof.
alcoholism
- Can only be a ground for legal separation if they occur
during the marriage. If no answer is filed by the defendant within 15 days:
- If said defects already existed before the marriage and The court cannot declare the defendant in default
they were concealed from the other spouse, they could The court will order the prosecuting attorney or fiscal
be grounds for annulment of marriage. assigned to it to enter his appearance for the State
- To take steps to prevent collusion between the
Article 56-57: Defense for Legal Separation parties
Grounds for Dismissal for Legal Separation: - To insure that evidence is not fabricated or
1. Where the aggrieved party condoned the offense suppressed
or act complained of - To defend a valid marriage
2. Where the aggrieved party has consented to the - To expose an invalid one
commission of the offense or act constituting the After conducting an investigation, the fiscal is
grounds for legal separation mandated by law to make a report to the court on the
3. Where there is connivance between the parties in result of his investigation. If there is no collusion the
the commission of the offense or act constituting fiscal will submit a report of no collusion to the court.
the ground for legal separation
4. Where both parties have given ground for legal General Rule: The Fiscal must actively intervene in the
separation case and submit a report to the court that there was no
5. Where there is collusion between the parties to collusion between the parties.
obtain the decree of legal separation
6. Where the action is barred by prescription Exception: If the annulment or declaration of nullity of
- An action for legal separation shall be filed within 5 years marriage was strongly opposed & heatedly contested by
from the time of occurrence of the cause.
The court may take judicial notice of prescription. If prescription is
the defendant by hiring a lawyer who filed several
apparent from the allegations in the complaint for legal separation, pleadings and actively participated in the trial of the case.
the court can dismiss it “motuproprio”. Thus, even if prescription is The non-intervention of the fiscal to assure lack of collusion
not interposed as a defense but it becomes manifest after trial, the between the parties is not fatal to the validity of the
court may stil dismiss the complaint. proceedings in court especially when it was not shown that
Condonation evidence was suppressed or fabricated by any of the parties.
An act of forgiving and is given after the fact, while In this case, the strict application of Article 48 and 60 of the
consent is given after the act that gives rise to the Family Code is unwarranted.
ground for legal separation.
STEP 2:
Connivance
Before the court will commence to the hearing of the case,
This happens when the spouse participated in the
it should allow a “Six Months Cooling-off Period” to lapse
downfall of the other as by providing actively the
from the filing of the complaint
opportunity for the wrong doing directly or
This is intended to give the parties enough time to
indirectly.
further contemplate their positions and allow the
Recrimination
healing balm of time to aid them in the process.
This means that both parties are at fault or have This is a mandatory requirement and its non-
given ground for legal separation. compliance renders the decision infirm. However, what
Collusion is only prevented is the hearing of the case on its
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Midterm Exam for Persons & Family Relations cma
merits. It does not involve the hearing of other the time the decree of legal separation has
incidents such as custody of minor children, support become final.
“pendete lite” and alimony.
The court may also entertain prayers of injunctions 7. The designation of the guilty spouse as the beneficiary
within the period or even motion to dismiss. of the insurance policy of the innocent spouse may be
Ocampo vs. Florencio 107 Phil. 35 revokedby the latter even if there is a designation that it
No decree of legal separation may be issued unless the court has taken
steps towards the reconciliation of the spouses and is fully satisfied, is irrevocable.
despite such efforts, that reconciliation is highly improbable. Likewise,
the court cannot render judgment on the basis of stipulation of facts or Article 65-66: Effects of Reconciliation
confession of judgment.
A corresponding joint manifestation under oath signed
by them shall be filed with the court in the same
STEP 3: proceeding for legal separation
Spouses are entitled to live separately from each other Effects:
After the filing of the petition for legal separation the For pending cases
parties are already entitled to live separately from each - It shall be terminated right away
other. If the decree has already been issued
- The decree shall be set aside.
Administration of Conjugal Properties Separation of properties and any forfeiture of
- In the absence of written agreement of both share to the guilty party already effected
parties as to the administration of the absolute - This shall continue to subsist, unless the
community or conjugal partnership property shall spouses agree to revive their former
be decided by the court. property regime.
- If neither of the parties is fit to administer it, the Joint Manifestation of Reconciliation specifications:
court may appoint a third person to manage the 1. The properties to be contributed anew to the
community properties. restored regime
Support of the parties and their common 2. Those to be retained as separate properties of
children and custody each spouse
- The support for the parties and their common 3. The names of all their known creditors, their
children will be taken from the absolute community addresses and the amounts owing to them
or conjugal partnership. The agreement of revival must be in writing and
- If the court awards the custody of their minor attached to the motion filed in court trying the legal
children to one spouse, the other spouse should separation case.
be given visitorial rights. Creditors of both parties must be duly notified by
furnishing them copies of both the agreement and the
Article 63-64: Effects of Legal Separation motion.
EFFECTS OF LEGAL SEPARATION Once the court approves the agreement, the order of the
1) The spouses shall be entitled to live separately from court must be recorded in the proper registries of properties.
each other, but the marriage bond shall not be Those creditors that were not listed or not notified shall not
severed. be prejudiced by the recording of the order in the proper
registries.
2) The absolute community or conjugal partnership shall
be dissolved and liquidated but the offending spouse
shall have no right to any share of the net profits,
which shall be forfeited in accordance with article
43(2).
3) The custody of the minor children shall be awarded to
the innocent spouse, subject to the provisions of 213
of this code.
4) The offending spouse shall be disqualified form
inheriting from the innocent spouse by intestate
succession. Moreover, provisions in favor of the
offending spouse in the will of the innocent spouse
shall be revoked by operation of law.
6. A donation by reason of marriage made by the innocent
spouse in favor of the guilty spouse is revoked by
operation of law.
- The action to revoke the donation under Legal
Separation must be brought within five years from
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