A petition for annulment may be denied for a number of reasons (see Grounds for Annulment of Marriage). We’ve already discussed certain defenses, one of which is the expiration of the prescriptive period within which the petition should have been filed. A prescriptive period simply means that the petition based on a particular ground can no longer be filed beyond a given period. Of course, an action based on certain grounds, such as psychological incapacity, minority or other grounds for declaration of nullity, does not prescribe (see difference between annulment and declaration of nullity). Here are the prescriptive periods for each ground, as well as the person who is entitled to file the petition, as provided under Article 47 of the Family Code:
Continue readingTag Archives: annulment
Annulment in the Philippines: Questions and Answers (Part 5): Overseas Filipinos Edition
We already have four installments on this topic (refer to Part I, Part II, Part III , Part IV), as well as related posts on annulment, legal separation, declaration of nullity and divorce. We’re trying to cope with the numerous questions raised, but with our schedules, it’s impractical to answer the questions one by one. This is the reason why we summarize the questions so that similar ones would be answered in one go. Again, browse through the existing related articles to see if your questions are covered by existing discussions.
Continue readingFamily Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209): Table of Contents
[The full text, per Title, and links to related discussions are found below. There is a separate post on the complete text of Executive Oder No. 209, signed by President Corazaon G. Aquino on 6 July 1987.]
Continue readingBrief Discussion on Infidelity, Concubinage, Adultery and Bigamy
We previously noted that infidelity is not, by itself, a ground for annulment, although it could be a basis for legal separation or filing a case for adultery/concubinage. As to custody, the Supreme Court already ruled that sexual infidelity, by itself, is not sufficient to grant custody over a child. Let’s continue the discussion on these concepts:
Continue readingAnnulment in the Philippines: Questions and Answers (Part 4)
This is part of the continuing installment of discussions on annulment of marriage or declaration of nullity of marriage. We cannot answer each question because of certain limitations. Related questions are lumped and discussed in general. Before posting a question, kindly search the related articles in this site. Otherwise, please be patient and wait for future discussions that may be related to your query.
Continue readingLack of Parental Consent or Parental Advice: Effect on Validity of Marriage in the Philippines
“I was 20 years old when I got married, but my parents didn’t know that I was married. Is my marriage valid?” This is one of the discussions or questions, submitted through the comments in various posts, which centers on the validity of marriage without the knowledge or consent of parents. This is a general discussion on parental consent and parental advice.
Continue readingJudicial Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Decree
Divorce is not allowed in the Philippines and divorce secured anywhere by a Filipino is not recognized in this jurisdiction.We already have a number of discussions on this. In certain instances, however, a divorce validly secured abroad may be recognized here in the Philippines.
Continue readingCan Someone Remarry Without Going to Court due to Absence or Separation?
Can someone automatically remarry after being separated, or when the other spouse had been “absent”, for several years? There are a number of questions along this line that were posted in the Forum. While there’s already an initial discussion on this, the question keeps cropping up, so let’s put this issue to rest once and for all.
Continue readingProposed Divorce Law in the Philippines
Divorce is a controversial topic, except that it’s often discussed with hushed voices (related discussion here). In 2005, party-list representative Liza Masa of Gabriela filed a divorce bill. In 2001, similar bills were filed in the Senate (Bill No. 782), introduced by Senator Rodolfo G. Biazon, and House of Representatives (Bill No. 878), introduced by Honorable Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo. In 1999, Representative Manuel C. Ortega filed House Bill No. 6993, seeking for the legalization of divorce. This Congress (14th Congress), Gabriela again filed a bill to introduce divorce in the Philippines. Here’s the explanatory note of House Bill 3461, filed by GABRIELA Women’s Party Representatives Liza Largoza-Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan. Let’s open this topic for discussion (use the comment section below; see also Mixed Marriages). Let’s avoid name-calling and focus on the merits. If you support or oppose the bill, then perhaps you could talk to your respective representatives in the House.
Continue readingAnnulment in the Philippines: Questions and Answers (Part 3)
My fiancee and I secured a marriage license, but no marriage ceremony was ever celebrated. I learned, however, that my “wife” is already using my surname in her documents, including her passport. Am I considered as “married”?
No. A marriage license is valid only for 120 days, and any marriage contracted after that period is null and void. A woman cannot use his putative “husband’s” surname in the absence of a valid marriage. [See: Grounds for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage]