EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.

209 A defect in any of the essential requisites shall not

THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES affect the validity of the marriage but the party or Article. 8. The marriage shall be solemnized publicly
July 6, 1987 parties responsible for the irregularity shall be civilly, in the chambers of the judge or in open court, in the
criminally and administratively liable. (n) church, chapel or temple, or in the office the consul-
I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the general, consul or vice-consul, as the case may be,
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by Art. 5. Any male or female of the age of eighteen and not elsewhere, except in cases of marriages
the Constitution, do hereby order and promulgate the years or upwards not under any of the impediments contracted on the point of death or in remote places in
Family Code of the Philippines, as follows: mentioned in Articles 37 and 38, may contract accordance with Article 29 of this Code, or where both
marriage. (54a) of the parties request the solemnizing officer in writing
TITLE I in which case the marriage may be solemnized at a
MARRIAGE Art. 6. No prescribed form or religious rite for the house or place designated by them in a sworn
solemnization of the marriage is required. It shall be statement to that effect. (57a)
Chapter 1. Requisites of Marriage necessary, however, for the contracting parties to
appear personally before the solemnizing officer and Art. 9. A marriage license shall be issued by the local
Article 1. Marriage is a special contract of permanent declare in the presence of not less than two witnesses civil registrar of the city or municipality where either
union between a man and a woman entered into in of legal age that they take each other as husband and contracting party habitually resides, except in
accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal wife. This declaration shall be contained in the marriages where no license is required in accordance
and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an marriage certificate which shall be signed by the with Chapter 2 of this Title. (58a)
inviolable social institution whose nature, contracting parties and their witnesses and attested by
consequences, and incidents are governed by law and the solemnizing officer. Art. 10. Marriages between Filipino citizens abroad
not subject to stipulation, except that marriage may be solemnized by a consul-general, consul or
settlements may fix the property relations during the In case of a marriage in articulo mortis, when the vice-consul of the Republic of the Philippines. The
marriage within the limits provided by this Code. (52a) party at the point of death is unable to sign the issuance of the marriage license and the duties of the
marriage certificate, it shall be sufficient for one of the local civil registrar and of the solemnizing officer with
Art. 2. No marriage shall be valid, unless these witnesses to the marriage to write the name of said regard to the celebration of marriage shall be
essential requisites are present: party, which fact shall be attested by the solemnizing performed by said consular official. (75a)
officer. (55a)
(1) Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must Art. 11. Where a marriage license is required, each of
be a male and a female; and Art. 7. Marriage may be solemnized by: the contracting parties shall file separately a sworn
application for such license with the proper local civil
(2) Consent freely given in the presence of the (1) Any incumbent member of the judiciary within the registrar which shall specify the following:
solemnizing officer. (53a) court's jurisdiction;
(1) Full name of the contracting party;
Art. 3. The formal requisites of marriage are: (2) Any priest, rabbi, imam, or minister of any church
or religious sect duly authorized by his church or (2) Place of birth;
(1) Authority of the solemnizing officer; religious sect and registered with the civil registrar
general, acting within the limits of the written authority (3) Age and date of birth;
(2) A valid marriage license except in the cases granted by his church or religious sect and provided
provided for in Chapter 2 of this Title; and that at least one of the contracting parties belongs to (4) Civil status;
the solemnizing officer's church or religious sect;
(3) A marriage ceremony which takes place with the (5) If previously married, how, when and where the
appearance of the contracting parties before the (3) Any ship captain or airplane chief only in the case previous marriage was dissolved or annulled;
solemnizing officer and their personal declaration that mentioned in Article 31;
they take each other as husband and wife in the (6) Present residence and citizenship;
presence of not less than two witnesses of legal age. (4) Any military commander of a unit to which a
(53a, 55a) chaplain is assigned, in the absence of the latter, (7) Degree of relationship of the contracting parties;
during a military operation, likewise only in the cases
Art. 4. The absence of any of the essential or formal mentioned in Article 32; (8) Full name, residence and citizenship of the father;
requisites shall render the marriage void ab initio,
except as stated in Article 35 (2). (5) Any consul-general, consul or vice-consul in the (9) Full name, residence and citizenship of the mother;
case provided in Article 10. (56a) and
 before him, be convinced that either or both of them parental advice is needed, the party or parties
(10) Full name, residence and citizenship of the have the required age. (60a) concerned shall, in addition to the requirements of the
guardian or person having charge, in case the preceding articles, attach a certificate issued by a
contracting party has neither father nor mother and is Art. 13. In case either of the contracting parties has priest, imam or minister authorized to solemnize
under the age of twenty-one years. been previously married, the applicant shall be marriage under Article 7 of this Code or a marriage
required to furnish, instead of the birth or baptismal counselor duly accredited by the proper government
The applicants, their parents or guardians shall not be certificate required in the last preceding article, the agency to the effect that the contracting parties have
required to exhibit their residence certificates in any death certificate of the deceased spouse or the judicial undergone marriage counseling. Failure to attach said
formality in connection with the securing of the decree of the absolute divorce, or the judicial decree certificates of marriage counseling shall suspend the
marriage license. (59a) of annulment or declaration of nullity of his or her issuance of the marriage license for a period of three
previous marriage. months from the completion of the publication of the
Art. 12. The local civil registrar, upon receiving such application. Issuance of the marriage license within
application, shall require the presentation of the In case the death certificate cannot be secured, the the prohibited period shall subject the issuing officer to
original birth certificates or, in default thereof, the party shall make an affidavit setting forth this administrative sanctions but shall not affect the
baptismal certificates of the contracting parties or circumstance and his or her actual civil status and the validity of the marriage.
copies of such documents duly attested by the name and date of death of the deceased spouse.
persons having custody of the originals. These (61a) Should only one of the contracting parties need
certificates or certified copies of the documents by this parental consent or parental advice, the other party
Article need not be sworn to and shall be exempt from Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting must be present at the counseling referred to in the
the documentary stamp tax. The signature and official parties, not having been emancipated by a previous preceding paragraph. (n)
title of the person issuing the certificate shall be marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and
sufficient proof of its authenticity. twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements Art. 17. The local civil registrar shall prepare a notice
of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil which shall contain the full names and residences of
If either of the contracting parties is unable to produce registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, the applicants for a marriage license and other data
his birth or baptismal certificate or a certified copy of mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons given in the applications. The notice shall be posted
either because of the destruction or loss of the original having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. for ten consecutive days on a bulletin board outside
or if it is shown by an affidavit of such party or of any Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the the office of the local civil registrar located in a
other person that such birth or baptismal certificate interested party, who personally appears before the conspicuous place within the building and accessible
has not yet been received though the same has been proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit to the general public. This notice shall request all
required of the person having custody thereof at least made in the presence of two witnesses and attested persons having knowledge of any impediment to the
fifteen days prior to the date of the application, such before any official authorized by law to administer marriage to advise the local civil registrar thereof. The
party may furnish in lieu thereof his current residence oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in marriage license shall be issued after the completion
certificate or an instrument drawn up and sworn to both applications for marriage license, and the of the period of publication. (63a)
before the local civil registrar concerned or any public affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached
official authorized to administer oaths. Such to said applications. (61a) Art. 18. In case of any impediment known to the local
instrument shall contain the sworn declaration of two civil registrar or brought to his attention, he shall note
witnesses of lawful age, setting forth the full name, Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of down the particulars thereof and his findings thereon
residence and citizenship of such contracting party twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask in the application for marriage license, but shall
and of his or her parents, if known, and the place and their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended nonetheless issue said license after the completion of
date of birth of such party. The nearest of kin of the marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be the period of publication, unless ordered otherwise by
contracting parties shall be preferred as witnesses, or, unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued a competent court at his own instance or that of any
in their default, persons of good reputation in the till after three months following the completion of the interest party. No filing fee shall be charged for the
province or the locality. publication of the application therefor. A sworn petition nor a corresponding bond required for the
statement by the contracting parties to the effect that issuances of the order. (64a)
The presentation of birth or baptismal certificate shall such advice has been sought, together with the written
not be required if the parents of the contracting parties advice given, if any, shall be attached to the Art. 19. The local civil registrar shall require the
appear personally before the local civil registrar application for marriage license. Should the parents or payment of the fees prescribed by law or regulations
concerned and swear to the correctness of the lawful guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be before the issuance of the marriage license. No other
age of said parties, as stated in the application, or stated in the sworn statement. (62a) sum shall be collected in the nature of a fee or tax of
when the local civil registrar shall, by merely looking any kind for the issuance of said license. It shall,
at the applicants upon their personally appearing Art. 16. In the cases where parental consent or however, be issued free of charge to indigent parties,
that is those who have no visible means of income or Art. 23. It shall be the duty of the person solemnizing parties are at the point of death, the marriage may be
whose income is insufficient for their subsistence a the marriage to furnish either of the contracting parties solemnized without necessity of a marriage license
fact established by their affidavit, or by their oath the original of the marriage certificate referred to in and shall remain valid even if the ailing party
before the local civil registrar. (65a) Article 6 and to send the duplicate and triplicate subsequently survives. (72a)
copies of the certificate not later than fifteen days after
Art. 20. The license shall be valid in any part of the the marriage, to the local civil registrar of the place Art. 28. If the residence of either party is so located
Philippines for a period of one hundred twenty days where the marriage was solemnized. Proper receipts that there is no means of transportation to enable
from the date of issue, and shall be deemed shall be issued by the local civil registrar to the such party to appear personally before the local civil
automatically canceled at the expiration of the said solemnizing officer transmitting copies of the marriage registrar, the marriage may be solemnized without
period if the contracting parties have not made use of certificate. The solemnizing officer shall retain in his necessity of a marriage license. (72a)
it. The expiry date shall be stamped in bold characters file the quadruplicate copy of the marriage certificate,
on the face of every license issued. (65a) the copy of the marriage certificate, the original of the Art. 29. In the cases provided for in the two preceding
marriage license and, in proper cases, the affidavit of articles, the solemnizing officer shall state in an
Art. 21. When either or both of the contracting parties the contracting party regarding the solemnization of affidavit executed before the local civil registrar or any
are citizens of a foreign country, it shall be necessary the marriage in place other than those mentioned in other person legally authorized to administer oaths
for them before a marriage license can be obtained, to Article 8. (68a) that the marriage was performed in articulo mortis or
submit a certificate of legal capacity to contract that the residence of either party, specifying the barrio
marriage, issued by their respective diplomatic or Art. 24. It shall be the duty of the local civil registrar to or barangay, is so located that there is no means of
consular officials. prepare the documents required by this Title, and to transportation to enable such party to appear
administer oaths to all interested parties without any personally before the local civil registrar and that the
Stateless persons or refugees from other countries charge in both cases. The documents and affidavits officer took the necessary steps to ascertain the ages
shall, in lieu of the certificate of legal capacity herein filed in connection with applications for marriage and relationship of the contracting parties and the
required, submit an affidavit stating the circumstances licenses shall be exempt from documentary stamp absence of legal impediment to the marriage. (72a)
showing such capacity to contract marriage. (66a) tax. (n)
Art. 30. The original of the affidavit required in the last
Art. 22. The marriage certificate, in which the parties Art. 25. The local civil registrar concerned shall enter preceding article, together with the legible copy of the
shall declare that they take each other as husband all applications for marriage licenses filed with him in marriage contract, shall be sent by the person
and wife, shall also state: a registry book strictly in the order in which the same solemnizing the marriage to the local civil registrar of
are received. He shall record in said book the names the municipality where it was performed within the
(1) The full name, sex and age of each contracting of the applicants, the date on which the marriage period of thirty days after the performance of the
party; license was issued, and such other data as may be marriage. (75a)
necessary. (n)
(2) Their citizenship, religion and habitual residence; Art. 31. A marriage in articulo mortis between
Art. 26. All marriages solemnized outside the passengers or crew members may also be solemnized
(3) The date and precise time of the celebration of the Philippines, in accordance with the laws in force in the by a ship captain or by an airplane pilot not only while
marriage; country where they were solemnized, and valid there the ship is at sea or the plane is in flight, but also
as such, shall also be valid in this country, except during stopovers at ports of call. (74a)
(4) That the proper marriage license has been issued those prohibited under Articles 35 (1), (4), (5) and (6),
according to law, except in marriage provided for in 3637 and 38. (17a) Art. 32. A military commander of a unit, who is a
Chapter 2 of this Title; commissioned officer, shall likewise have authority to
Where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a solemnize marriages in articulo mortis between
(5) That either or both of the contracting parties have foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is persons within the zone of military operation, whether
secured the parental consent in appropriate cases; thereafter validly obtained abroad by the alien spouse members of the armed forces or civilians. (74a)
capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse
(6) That either or both of the contracting parties have shall have capacity to remarry under Philippine law. Art. 33. Marriages among Muslims or among
complied with the legal requirement regarding parental (As amended by Executive Order 227) members of the ethnic cultural communities may be
advice in appropriate cases; and performed validly without the necessity of marriage
Chapter 2. Marriages Exempted from License license, provided they are solemnized in accordance
(7) That the parties have entered into marriage Requirement with their customs, rites or practices. (78a)
settlement, if any, attaching a copy thereof. (67a)
Art. 27. In case either or both of the contracting Art. 34. No license shall be necessary for the marriage
of a man and a woman who have lived together as marriage, the prior spouse had been absent for four
husband and wife for at least five years and without (2) Between brothers and sisters, whether of the full or consecutive years and the spouse present has a well-
any legal impediment to marry each other. The half blood. (81a) founded belief that the absent spouse was already
contracting parties shall state the foregoing facts in an dead. In case of disappearance where there is danger
affidavit before any person authorized by law to Art. 38. The following marriages shall be void from the of death under the circumstances set forth in the
administer oaths. The solemnizing officer shall also beginning for reasons of public policy: provisions of Article 391 of the Civil Code, an absence
state under oath that he ascertained the qualifications of only two years shall be sufficient.
of the contracting parties are found no legal (1) Between collateral blood relatives whether
impediment to the marriage. (76a) legitimate or illegitimate, up to the fourth civil degree; For the purpose of contracting the subsequent
marriage under the preceding paragraph the spouse
Chapter 3. Void and Voidable Marriages (2) Between step-parents and step-children; present must institute a summary proceeding as
provided in this Code for the declaration of
Art. 35. The following marriages shall be void from the (3) Between parents-in-law and children-in-law; presumptive death of the absentee, without prejudice
beginning: to the effect of reappearance of the absent spouse.
(4) Between the adopting parent and the adopted (83a)
(1) Those contracted by any party below eighteen child;
years of age even with the consent of parents or Art. 42. The subsequent marriage referred to in the
guardians; (5) Between the surviving spouse of the adopting preceding Article shall be automatically terminated by
parent and the adopted child; the recording of the affidavit of reappearance of the
(2) Those solemnized by any person not legally absent spouse, unless there is a judgment annulling
authorized to perform marriages unless such (6) Between the surviving spouse of the adopted child the previous marriage or declaring it void ab initio.
marriages were contracted with either or both parties and the adopter;
believing in good faith that the solemnizing officer had A sworn statement of the fact and circumstances of
the legal authority to do so; (7) Between an adopted child and a legitimate child of reappearance shall be recorded in the civil registry of
the adopter; the residence of the parties to the subsequent
(3) Those solemnized without license, except those marriage at the instance of any interested person, with
covered the preceding Chapter; (8) Between adopted children of the same adopter; due notice to the spouses of the subsequent marriage
and and without prejudice to the fact of reappearance
(4) Those bigamous or polygamous marriages not being judicially determined in case such fact is
failing under Article 41; (9) Between parties where one, with the intention to disputed. (n)
marry the other, killed that other person's spouse, or
(5) Those contracted through mistake of one his or her own spouse. (82) Art. 43. The termination of the subsequent marriage
contracting party as to the identity of the other; and referred to in the preceding Article shall produce the
Art. 39. The action or defense for the declaration of following effects:
(6) Those subsequent marriages that are void under absolute nullity of a marriage shall not prescribe. (As
Article 53. amended by Executive Order 227 and Republic Act (1) The children of the subsequent marriage conceived
No. 8533; The phrase "However, in case of marriage prior to its termination shall be considered legitimate;
Art. 36. A marriage contracted by any party who, at celebrated before the effectivity of this Code and
the time of the celebration, was psychologically falling under Article 36, such action or defense shall (2) The absolute community of property or the
incapacitated to comply with the essential marital prescribe in ten years after this Code shall taken conjugal partnership, as the case may be, shall be
obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if effect" has been deleted by Republic Act No. 8533 dissolved and liquidated, but if either spouse
such incapacity becomes manifest only after its [Approved February 23, 1998]). contracted said marriage in bad faith, his or her share
solemnization. (As amended by Executive Order 227) of the net profits of the community property or
Art. 40. The absolute nullity of a previous marriage conjugal partnership property shall be forfeited in
Art. 37. Marriages between the following are may be invoked for purposes of remarriage on the favor of the common children or, if there are none, the
incestuous and void from the beginning, whether basis solely of a final judgment declaring such children of the guilty spouse by a previous marriage or
relationship between the parties be legitimate or previous marriage void. (n) in default of children, the innocent spouse;
illegitimate:
Art. 41. A marriage contracted by any person during (3) Donations by reason of marriage shall remain
(1) Between ascendants and descendants of any subsistence of a previous marriage shall be null and valid, except that if the donee contracted the marriage
degree; and void, unless before the celebration of the subsequent in bad faith, such donations made to said donee are
revoked by operation of law; transmissible disease found to be serious and appears by the injured party, within five years from the time the
to be incurable. (85a) force, intimidation or undue influence disappeared or
(4) The innocent spouse may revoke the designation ceased;
of the other spouse who acted in bad faith as Art. 46. Any of the following circumstances shall
beneficiary in any insurance policy, even if such constitute fraud referred to in Number 3 of the (5) For causes mentioned in number 5 and 6 of Article
designation be stipulated as irrevocable; and preceding Article: 45, by the injured party, within five years after the
marriage. (87a)
(5) The spouse who contracted the subsequent (1) Non-disclosure of a previous conviction by final
marriage in bad faith shall be disqualified to inherit judgment of the other party of a crime involving moral Art. 48. In all cases of annulment or declaration of
from the innocent spouse by testate and intestate turpitude; absolute nullity of marriage, the Court shall order the
succession. (n) prosecuting attorney or fiscal assigned to it to appear
(2) Concealment by the wife of the fact that at the time on behalf of the State to take steps to prevent
Art. 44. If both spouses of the subsequent marriage of the marriage, she was pregnant by a man other collusion between the parties and to take care that
acted in bad faith, said marriage shall be void ab initio than her husband; evidence is not fabricated or suppressed.
and all donations by reason of marriage and
testamentary dispositions made by one in favor of the (3) Concealment of sexually transmissible disease, In the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, no
other are revoked by operation of law. (n) regardless of its nature, existing at the time of the judgment shall be based upon a stipulation of facts or
marriage; or confession of judgment. (88a)
Art. 45. A marriage may be annulled for any of the
following causes, existing at the time of the marriage: (4) Concealment of drug addiction, habitual Art. 49. During the pendency of the action and in the
alcoholism or homosexuality or lesbianism existing at absence of adequate provisions in a written
(1) That the party in whose behalf it is sought to have the time of the marriage. agreement between the spouses, the Court shall
the marriage annulled was eighteen years of age or provide for the support of the spouses and the custody
over but below twenty-one, and the marriage was No other misrepresentation or deceit as to character, and support of their common children. The Court shall
solemnized without the consent of the parents, health, rank, fortune or chastity shall constitute such give paramount consideration to the moral and
guardian or person having substitute parental fraud as will give grounds for action for the annulment material welfare of said children and their choice of
authority over the party, in that order, unless after of marriage. (86a) the parent with whom they wish to remain as provided
attaining the age of twenty-one, such party freely to in Title IX. It shall also provide for appropriate
cohabited with the other and both lived together as Art. 47. The action for annulment of marriage must be visitation rights of the other parent. (n)
husband and wife; filed by the following persons and within the periods
indicated herein: Art. 50. The effects provided for by paragraphs (2),
(2) That either party was of unsound mind, unless (3), (4) and (5) of Article 43 and by Article 44 shall
such party after coming to reason, freely cohabited (1) For causes mentioned in number 1 of Article 45 by also apply in the proper cases to marriages which are
with the other as husband and wife; the party whose parent or guardian did not give his or declared ab initio or annulled by final judgment under
her consent, within five years after attaining the age of Articles 40 and 45.
(3) That the consent of either party was obtained by twenty-one, or by the parent or guardian or person
fraud, unless such party afterwards, with full having legal charge of the minor, at any time before The final judgment in such cases shall provide for the
knowledge of the facts constituting the fraud, freely such party has reached the age of twenty-one; liquidation, partition and distribution of the properties
cohabited with the other as husband and wife; of the spouses, the custody and support of the
(2) For causes mentioned in number 2 of Article 45, common children, and the delivery of third
(4) That the consent of either party was obtained by by the same spouse, who had no knowledge of the presumptive legitimes, unless such matters had been
force, intimidation or undue influence, unless the other's insanity; or by any relative or guardian or adjudicated in previous judicial proceedings.
same having disappeared or ceased, such party person having legal charge of the insane, at any time
thereafter freely cohabited with the other as husband before the death of either party, or by the insane All creditors of the spouses as well as of the absolute
and wife; spouse during a lucid interval or after regaining sanity; community or the conjugal partnership shall be
notified of the proceedings for liquidation.
(5) That either party was physically incapable of (3) For causes mentioned in number 3 of Article 45,
consummating the marriage with the other, and such by the injured party, within five years after the In the partition, the conjugal dwelling and the lot on
incapacity continues and appears to be incurable; or discovery of the fraud; which it is situated, shall be adjudicated in accordance
with the provisions of Articles 102 and 129.
(6) That either party was afflicted with a sexually- (4) For causes mentioned in number 4 of Article 45,
Art. 51. In said partition, the value of the presumptive petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner,
legitimes of all common children, computed as of the to engage in prostitution, or connivance in such Art. 58. An action for legal separation shall in no case
date of the final judgment of the trial court, shall be corruption or inducement; be tried before six months shall have elapsed since
delivered in cash, property or sound securities, unless the filing of the petition. (103)
the parties, by mutual agreement judicially approved, (4) Final judgment sentencing the respondent to
had already provided for such matters. imprisonment of more than six years, even if Art. 59. No legal separation may be decreed unless
pardoned; the Court has taken steps toward the reconciliation of
The children or their guardian or the trustee of their the spouses and is fully satisfied, despite such efforts,
property may ask for the enforcement of the judgment. (5) Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism of the that reconciliation is highly improbable. (n)
respondent;
The delivery of the presumptive legitimes herein Art. 60. No decree of legal separation shall be based
prescribed shall in no way prejudice the ultimate (6) Lesbianism or homosexuality of the respondent; upon a stipulation of facts or a confession of
successional rights of the children accruing upon the judgment.
death of either of both of the parents; but the value of (7) Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent
the properties already received under the decree of bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or In any case, the Court shall order the prosecuting
annulment or absolute nullity shall be considered as abroad; attorney or fiscal assigned to it to take steps to
advances on their legitime. (n) prevent collusion between the parties and to take care
(8) Sexual infidelity or perversion; that the evidence is not fabricated or suppressed.
Art. 52. The judgment of annulment or of absolute (101a)
nullity of the marriage, the partition and distribution of (9) Attempt by the respondent against the life of the
the properties of the spouses and the delivery of the petitioner; or Art. 61. After the filing of the petition for legal
children's presumptive legitimes shall be recorded in separation, the spouses shall be entitled to live
the appropriate civil registry and registries of property; (10) Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without separately from each other.
otherwise, the same shall not affect third persons. (n) justifiable cause for more than one year.
The court, in the absence of a written agreement
Art. 53. Either of the former spouses may marry again For purposes of this Article, the term "child" shall between the spouses, shall designate either of them or
after compliance with the requirements of the include a child by nature or by adoption. (9a) a third person to administer the absolute community
immediately preceding Article; otherwise, the Art. 56. The petition for legal separation shall be or conjugal partnership property. The administrator
subsequent marriage shall be null and void. denied on any of the following grounds: appointed by the court shall have the same powers
and duties as those of a guardian under the Rules of
Art. 54. Children conceived or born before the (1) Where the aggrieved party has condoned the Court. (104a)
judgment of annulment or absolute nullity of the offense or act complained of;
marriage under Article 36 has become final and Art. 62. During the pendency of the action for legal
executory shall be considered legitimate. Children (2) Where the aggrieved party has consented to the separation, the provisions of Article 49 shall likewise
conceived or born of the subsequent marriage under commission of the offense or act complained of; apply to the support of the spouses and the custody
Article 53 shall likewise be legitimate. and support of the common children. (105a)
(3) Where there is connivance between the parties in
TITLE II the commission of the offense or act constituting the Art. 63. The decree of legal separation shall have the
LEGAL SEPARATION ground for legal separation; following effects:

Art. 55. A petition for legal separation may be filed on (4) Where both parties have given ground for legal (1) The spouses shall be entitled to live separately
any of the following grounds: separation; from each other, but the marriage bonds shall not be
severed;
(1) Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive (5) Where there is collusion between the parties to
conduct directed against the petitioner, a common obtain decree of legal separation; or (2) The absolute community or the conjugal
child, or a child of the petitioner; partnership shall be dissolved and liquidated but the
(6) Where the action is barred by prescription. (100a) offending spouse shall have no right to any share of
(2) Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the the net profits earned by the absolute community or
petitioner to change religious or political affiliation; Art. 57. An action for legal separation shall be filed the conjugal partnership, which shall be forfeited in
within five years from the time of the occurrence of the accordance with the provisions of Article 43(2);
(3) Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the cause. (102)
(3) The custody of the minor children shall be awarded executed under oath and shall specify:
to the innocent spouse, subject to the provisions of Art. 71. The management of the household shall be
Article 213 of this Code; and (1) The properties to be contributed anew to the the right and the duty of both spouses. The expenses
restored regime; for such management shall be paid in accordance
(4) The offending spouse shall be disqualified from with the provisions of Article 70. (115a)
inheriting from the innocent spouse by intestate (2) Those to be retained as separated properties of
succession. Moreover, provisions in favor of the each spouse; and Art. 72. When one of the spouses neglects his or her
offending spouse made in the will of the innocent duties to the conjugal union or commits acts which
spouse shall be revoked by operation of law. (106a) (3) The names of all their known creditors, their tend to bring danger, dishonor or injury to the other or
addresses and the amounts owing to each. to the family, the aggrieved party may apply to the
Art. 64. After the finality of the decree of legal court for relief. (116a)
separation, the innocent spouse may revoke the The agreement of revival and the motion for its
donations made by him or by her in favor of the approval shall be filed with the court in the same Art. 73. Either spouse may exercise any legitimate
offending spouse, as well as the designation of the proceeding for legal separation, with copies of both profession, occupation, business or activity without
latter as beneficiary in any insurance policy, even if furnished to the creditors named therein. After due the consent of the other. The latter may object only on
such designation be stipulated as irrevocable. The hearing, the court shall, in its order, take measure to valid, serious, and moral grounds.
revocation of the donations shall be recorded in the protect the interest of creditors and such order shall
registries of property in the places where the be recorded in the proper registries of properties. In case of disagreement, the court shall decide
properties are located. Alienations, liens and The recording of the ordering in the registries of whether or not:
encumbrances registered in good faith before the property shall not prejudice any creditor not listed or
recording of the complaint for revocation in the not notified, unless the debtor-spouse has sufficient (1) The objection is proper; and
registries of property shall be respected. The separate properties to satisfy the creditor's claim.
revocation of or change in the designation of the (195a, 108a) (2) Benefit has occurred to the family prior to the
insurance beneficiary shall take effect upon written objection or thereafter. If the benefit accrued prior to
notification thereof to the insured. TITLE III the objection, the resulting obligation shall be enforced
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN HUSBAND against the separate property of the spouse who has
The action to revoke the donation under this Article AND WIFE not obtained consent.
must be brought within five years from the time the
decree of legal separation become final. (107a) Art. 68. The husband and wife are obliged to live The foregoing provisions shall not prejudice the rights
together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, of creditors who acted in good faith. (117a)
Art. 65. If the spouses should reconcile, a and render mutual help and support. (109a)
corresponding joint manifestation under oath duly TITLE IV
signed by them shall be filed with the court in the Art. 69. The husband and wife shall fix the family PROPERTY RELATIONS BETWEEN HUSBAND
same proceeding for legal separation. (n) domicile. In case of disagreement, the court shall AND WIFE
decide.
Art. 66. The reconciliation referred to in the preceding Chapter 1. General Provisions
Articles shall have the following consequences: The court may exempt one spouse from living with the
other if the latter should live abroad or there are other Art. 74. The property relationship between husband
(1) The legal separation proceedings, if still pending, valid and compelling reasons for the exemption. and wife shall be governed in the following order:
shall thereby be terminated at whatever stage; and However, such exemption shall not apply if the same
is not compatible with the solidarity of the family. (1) By marriage settlements executed before the
(2) The final decree of legal separation shall be set (110a) marriage;
aside, but the separation of property and any forfeiture
of the share of the guilty spouse already effected shall Art. 70. The spouses are jointly responsible for the (2) By the provisions of this Code; and
subsist, unless the spouses agree to revive their support of the family. The expenses for such support
former property regime. and other conjugal obligations shall be paid from the (3) By the local custom. (118)
community property and, in the absence thereof, from
The court's order containing the foregoing shall be the income or fruits of their separate properties. In Art. 75. The future spouses may, in the marriage
recorded in the proper civil registries. (108a) case of insufficiency or absence of said income or settlements, agree upon the regime of absolute
Art. 67. The agreement to revive the former property fruits, such obligations shall be satisfied from the community, conjugal partnership of gains, complete
regime referred to in the preceding Article shall be separate properties. (111a) separation of property, or any other regime. In the
absence of a marriage settlement, or when the regime law;
agreed upon is void, the system of absolute Art. 81. Everything stipulated in the settlements or
community of property as established in this Code contracts referred to in the preceding articles in (3) When the marriage is annulled, and the donee
shall govern. (119a) consideration of a future marriage, including acted in bad faith;
donations between the prospective spouses made
Art. 76. In order that any modification in the marriage therein, shall be rendered void if the marriage does (4) Upon legal separation, the donee being the guilty
settlements may be valid, it must be made before the not take place. However, stipulations that do not spouse;
celebration of the marriage, subject to the provisions depend upon the celebration of the marriages shall be
of Articles 66, 67, 128, 135 and 136. (121) valid. (125a) (5) If it is with a resolutory condition and the condition
is complied with;
Art. 77. The marriage settlements and any Chapter 2. Donations by Reason of Marriage
modification thereof shall be in writing, signed by the (6) When the donee has committed an act of
parties and executed before the celebration of the Art. 82. Donations by reason of marriage are those ingratitude as specified by the provisions of the Civil
marriage. They shall not prejudice third persons which are made before its celebration, in Code on donations in general. (132a)
unless they are registered in the local civil registry consideration of the same, and in favor of one or both
where the marriage contract is recorded as well as in of the future spouses. (126) Art. 87. Every donation or grant of gratuitous
the proper registries of properties. (122a) advantage, direct or indirect, between the spouses
Art. 83. These donations are governed by the rules on during the marriage shall be void, except moderate
Art. 78. A minor who according to law may contract ordinary donations established in Title III of Book III of gifts which the spouses may give each other on the
marriage may also execute his or her marriage the Civil Code, insofar as they are not modified by the occasion of any family rejoicing. The prohibition shall
settlements, but they shall be valid only if the persons following articles. (127a) also apply to persons living together as husband and
designated in Article 14 to give consent to the wife without a valid marriage. (133a)
marriage are made parties to the agreement, subject Art. 84. If the future spouses agree upon a regime
to the provisions of Title IX of this Code. (120a) other than the absolute community of property, they Chapter 3. System of Absolute Community
cannot donate to each other in their marriage
Art. 79. For the validity of any marriage settlement settlements more than one-fifth of their present Section 1. General Provisions
executed by a person upon whom a sentence of civil property. Any excess shall be considered void.
interdiction has been pronounced or who is subject to Art. 88. The absolute community of property between
any other disability, it shall be indispensable for the Donations of future property shall be governed by the spouses shall commence at the precise moment that
guardian appointed by a competent court to be made provisions on testamentary succession and the the marriage is celebrated. Any stipulation, express or
a party thereto. (123a) formalities of wills. (130a) implied, for the commencement of the community
regime at any other time shall be void. (145a)
Art. 80. In the absence of a contrary stipulation in a Art. 85. Donations by reason of marriage of property
marriage settlement, the property relations of the subject to encumbrances shall be valid. In case of Art. 89. No waiver of rights, shares and effects of the
spouses shall be governed by Philippine laws, foreclosure of the encumbrance and the property is absolute community of property during the marriage
regardless of the place of the celebration of the sold for less than the total amount of the obligation can be made except in case of judicial separation of
marriage and their residence. secured, the donee shall not be liable for the property.
deficiency. If the property is sold for more than the
This rule shall not apply: total amount of said obligation, the donee shall be When the waiver takes place upon a judicial
entitled to the excess. (131a) separation of property, or after the marriage has been
(1) Where both spouses are aliens; dissolved or annulled, the same shall appear in a
Art. 86. A donation by reason of marriage may be public instrument and shall be recorded as provided in
(2) With respect to the extrinsic validity of contracts revoked by the donor in the following cases: Article 77. The creditors of the spouse who made such
affecting property not situated in the Philippines and waiver may petition the court to rescind the waiver to
executed in the country where the property is located; (1) If the marriage is not celebrated or judicially the extent of the amount sufficient to cover the amount
and declared void ab initio except donations made in the of their credits. (146a)
marriage settlements, which shall be governed by
(3) With respect to the extrinsic validity of contracts Article 81; Art. 90. The provisions on co-ownership shall apply to
entered into in the Philippines but affecting property the absolute community of property between the
situated in a foreign country whose laws require (2) When the marriage takes place without the spouses in all matters not provided for in this Chapter.
different formalities for its extrinsic validity. (124a) consent of the parents or guardian, as required by (n)
 Art. 96. The administration and enjoyment of the
Section 2. What Constitutes Community Property (4) All taxes, liens, charges and expenses, including community property shall belong to both spouses
major or minor repairs, upon the community property; jointly. In case of disagreement, the husband's
Art. 91. Unless otherwise provided in this Chapter or decision shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court
in the marriage settlements, the community property (5) All taxes and expenses for mere preservation by the wife for proper remedy, which must be availed
shall consist of all the property owned by the spouses made during marriage upon the separate property of of within five years from the date of the contract
at the time of the celebration of the marriage or either spouse used by the family; implementing such decision.
acquired thereafter. (197a)
(6) Expenses to enable either spouse to commence or In the event that one spouse is incapacitated or
Art. 92. The following shall be excluded from the complete a professional or vocational course, or other otherwise unable to participate in the administration of
community property: activity for self-improvement; the common properties, the other spouse may
assume sole powers of administration. These powers
(1) Property acquired during the marriage by (7) Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse insofar as they do not include disposition or encumbrance without
gratuitous title by either spouse, and the fruits as well have redounded to the benefit of the family; authority of the court or the written consent of the
as the income thereof, if any, unless it is expressly other spouse. In the absence of such authority or
provided by the donor, testator or grantor that they (8) The value of what is donated or promised by both consent, the disposition or encumbrance shall be void.
shall form part of the community property; spouses in favor of their common legitimate children However, the transaction shall be construed as a
for the exclusive purpose of commencing or continuing offer on the part of the consenting spouse
(2) Property for personal and exclusive use of either completing a professional or vocational course or and the third person, and may be perfected as a
spouse. However, jewelry shall form part of the other activity for self-improvement; binding contract upon the acceptance by the other
community property; spouse or authorization by the court before the offer is
(9) Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse other than withdrawn by either or both offerors. (206a)
(3) Property acquired before the marriage by either those falling under paragraph (7) of this Article, the
spouse who has legitimate descendants by a former support of illegitimate children of either spouse, and Art. 97. Either spouse may dispose by will of his or
marriage, and the fruits as well as the income, if any, liabilities incurred by either spouse by reason of a her interest in the community property. (n)
of such property. (201a) crime or a quasi-delict, in case of absence or
insufficiency of the exclusive property of the debtor- Art. 98. Neither spouse may donate any community
Art. 93. Property acquired during the marriage is spouse, the payment of which shall be considered as property without the consent of the other. However,
presumed to belong to the community, unless it is advances to be deducted from the share of the debtor- either spouse may, without the consent of the other,
proved that it is one of those excluded therefrom. spouse upon liquidation of the community; and make moderate donations from the community
(160) property for charity or on occasions of family rejoicing
(10) Expenses of litigation between the spouses or family distress. (n)
Section 3. Charges and Obligations of the Absolute unless the suit is found to be groundless.
Community Section 5. Dissolution of Absolute Community Regime
If the community property is insufficient to cover the
Art. 94. The absolute community of property shall be foregoing liabilities, except those falling under Art. 99. The absolute community terminates:
liable for: paragraph (9), the spouses shall be solidarily liable for
the unpaid balance with their separate properties. (1) Upon the death of either spouse;
(1) The support of the spouses, their common (161a, 162a, 163a, 202a-205a)
children, and legitimate children of either spouse; (2) When there is a decree of legal separation;
however, the support of illegitimate children shall be Art. 95. Whatever may be lost during the marriage in
governed by the provisions of this Code on Support; any game of chance, betting, sweepstakes, or any (3) When the marriage is annulled or declared void; or
other kind of gambling, whether permitted or
(2) All debts and obligations contracted during the prohibited by law, shall be borne by the loser and shall (4) In case of judicial separation of property during the
marriage by the designated administrator-spouse for not be charged to the community but any winnings marriage under Articles 134 to 138. (175a)
the benefit of the community, or by both spouses, or therefrom shall form part of the community property.
by one spouse with the consent of the other; (164a) Art. 100. The separation in fact between husband and
wife shall not affect the regime of absolute community
(3) Debts and obligations contracted by either spouse Section 4. Ownership, Administrative, except that:
without the consent of the other to the extent that the Enjoyment and Disposition of the Community Property
family may have been benefited; (1) The spouse who leaves the conjugal home or
refuses to live therein, without just cause, shall not separate properties in accordance with the provisions separation of property shall govern the property
have the right to be supported; of the second paragraph of Article 94. relations of the subsequent marriage. (n)

(2) When the consent of one spouse to any (3) Whatever remains of the exclusive properties of Art. 104. Whenever the liquidation of the community
transaction of the other is required by law, judicial the spouses shall thereafter be delivered to each of properties of two or more marriages contracted by the
authorization shall be obtained in a summary them. same person before the effectivity of this Code is
proceeding; carried out simultaneously, the respective capital,
(4) The net remainder of the properties of the absolute fruits and income of each community shall be
(3) In the absence of sufficient community property, community shall constitute its net assets, which shall determined upon such proof as may be considered
the separate property of both spouses shall be be divided equally between husband and wife, unless according to the rules of evidence. In case of doubt as
solidarily liable for the support of the family. The a different proportion or division was agreed upon in to which community the existing properties belong, the
spouse present shall, upon proper petition in a the marriage settlements, or unless there has been a same shall be divided between the different
summary proceeding, be given judicial authority to voluntary waiver of such share provided in this Code. communities in proportion to the capital and duration
administer or encumber any specific separate property For purpose of computing the net profits subject to of each. (189a)
of the other spouse and use the fruits or proceeds forfeiture in accordance with Articles 43, No. (2) and
thereof to satisfy the latter's share. (178a) 63, No. (2), the said profits shall be the increase in Chapter 4. Conjugal Partnership of Gains
value between the market value of the community
Art. 101. If a spouse without just cause abandons the property at the time of the celebration of the marriage Section 1. General Provisions
other or fails to comply with his or her obligations to and the market value at the time of its dissolution.
the family, the aggrieved spouse may petition the Art. 105. In case the future spouses agree in the
court for receivership, for judicial separation of (5) The presumptive legitimes of the common children marriage settlements that the regime of conjugal
property or for authority to be the sole administrator of shall be delivered upon partition, in accordance with partnership gains shall govern their property relations
the absolute community, subject to such Article 51. during marriage, the provisions in this Chapter shall
precautionary conditions as the court may impose. be of supplementary application.
The obligations to the family mentioned in the (6) Unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, in
preceding paragraph refer to marital, parental or the partition of the properties, the conjugal dwelling The provisions of this Chapter shall also apply to
property relations. and the lot on which it is situated shall be adjudicated conjugal partnerships of gains already established
to the spouse with whom the majority of the common between spouses before the effectivity of this Code,
A spouse is deemed to have abandoned the other children choose to remain. Children below the age of without prejudice to vested rights already acquired in
when her or she has left the conjugal dwelling without seven years are deemed to have chosen the mother, accordance with the Civil Code or other laws, as
intention of returning. The spouse who has left the unless the court has decided otherwise. In case there provided in Article 256. (n)
conjugal dwelling for a period of three months or has in no such majority, the court shall decide, taking into
failed within the same period to give any information consideration the best interests of said children. (n) Art. 106. Under the regime of conjugal partnership of
as to his or her whereabouts shall be prima facie gains, the husband and wife place in a common fund
presumed to have no intention of returning to the Art. 103. Upon the termination of the marriage by the proceeds, products, fruits and income from their
conjugal dwelling. (178a) death, the community property shall be liquidated in separate properties and those acquired by either or
the same proceeding for the settlement of the estate both spouses through their efforts or by chance, and,
Section 6. Liquidation of the Absolute Community of the deceased. upon dissolution of the marriage or of the partnership,
Assets and Liabilities the net gains or benefits obtained by either or both
If no judicial settlement proceeding is instituted, the spouses shall be divided equally between them,
Art. 102. Upon dissolution of the absolute community surviving spouse shall liquidate the community unless otherwise agreed in the marriage settlements.
regime, the following procedure shall apply: property either judicially or extra-judicially within six (142a)
months from the death of the deceased spouse. If
(1) An inventory shall be prepared, listing separately upon the lapse of the six months period, no liquidation Art. 107. The rules provided in Articles 88 and 89 shall
all the properties of the absolute community and the is made, any disposition or encumbrance involving the also apply to conjugal partnership of gains. (n)
exclusive properties of each spouse. community property of the terminated marriage shall
be void. Art. 108. The conjugal partnership shall be governed
(2) The debts and obligations of the absolute by the rules on the contract of partnership in all that is
community shall be paid out of its assets. In case of Should the surviving spouse contract a subsequent not in conflict with what is expressly determined in this
insufficiency of said assets, the spouses shall be marriage without compliance with the foregoing Chapter or by the spouses in their marriage
solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their requirements, a mandatory regime of complete settlements. (147a)
 advanced by the conjugal partnership of gains. (151a) marriage and to the conjugal partnership if such
Section 2. Exclusive Property of Each Spouse ownership was vested during the marriage. In either
Art. 115. Retirement benefits, pensions, annuities, case, any amount advanced by the partnership or by
Art. 109. The following shall be the exclusive property gratuities, usufructs and similar benefits shall be either or both spouses shall be reimbursed by the
of each spouse: governed by the rules on gratuitous or onerous owner or owners upon liquidation of the partnership.
acquisitions as may be proper in each case. (n) (n)
(1) That which is brought to the marriage as his or her
own; Section 3. Conjugal Partnership Property Art. 119. Whenever an amount or credit payable
within a period of time belongs to one of the spouses,
(2) That which each acquires during the marriage by Art. 116. All property acquired during the marriage, the sums which may be collected during the marriage
gratuitous title; whether the acquisition appears to have been made, in partial payments or by installments on the principal
contracted or registered in the name of one or both shall be the exclusive property of the spouse.
(3) That which is acquired by right of redemption, by spouses, is presumed to be conjugal unless the However, interests falling due during the marriage on
barter or by exchange with property belonging to only contrary is proved. (160a) the principal shall belong to the conjugal partnership.
one of the spouses; and (156a, 157a)
Art. 117. The following are conjugal partnership
(4) That which is purchased with exclusive money of properties: Art. 120. The ownership of improvements, whether for
the wife or of the husband. (148a) utility or adornment, made on the separate property of
(1) Those acquired by onerous title during the the spouses at the expense of the partnership or
Art. 110. The spouses retain the ownership, marriage at the expense of the common fund, whether through the acts or efforts of either or both spouses
possession, administration and enjoyment of their the acquisition be for the partnership, or for only one shall pertain to the conjugal partnership, or to the
exclusive properties. of the spouses; original owner-spouse, subject to the following rules:

Either spouse may, during the marriage, transfer the (2) Those obtained from the labor, industry, work or When the cost of the improvement made by the
administration of his or her exclusive property to the profession of either or both of the spouses; conjugal partnership and any resulting increase in
other by means of a public instrument, which shall be value are more than the value of the property at the
recorded in the registry of property of the place the (3) The fruits, natural, industrial, or civil, due or time of the improvement, the entire property of one of
property is located. (137a, 168a, 169a) received during the marriage from the common the spouses shall belong to the conjugal partnership,
property, as well as the net fruits from the exclusive subject to reimbursement of the value of the property
Art. 111. A spouse of age may mortgage, encumber, property of each spouse; of the owner-spouse at the time of the improvement;
alienate or otherwise dispose of his or her exclusive otherwise, said property shall be retained in ownership
property, without the consent of the other spouse, and (4) The share of either spouse in the hidden treasure by the owner-spouse, likewise subject to
appear alone in court to litigate with regard to the which the law awards to the finder or owner of the reimbursement of the cost of the improvement.
same. (n) property where the treasure is found; In either case, the ownership of the entire property
shall be vested upon the reimbursement, which shall
Art. 112. The alienation of any exclusive property of a (5) Those acquired through occupation such as fishing be made at the time of the liquidation of the conjugal
spouse administered by the other automatically or hunting; partnership. (158a)
terminates the administration over such property and
the proceeds of the alienation shall be turned over to (6) Livestock existing upon the dissolution of the Section 4. Charges Upon and Obligations of
the owner-spouse. (n) partnership in excess of the number of each kind the Conjugal Partnership
brought to the marriage by either spouse; and
Art. 113. Property donated or left by will to the Art. 121. The conjugal partnership shall be liable for:
spouses, jointly and with designation of determinate (7) Those which are acquired by chance, such as
shares, shall pertain to the donee-spouses as his or winnings from gambling or betting. However, losses (1) The support of the spouse, their common children,
her own exclusive property, and in the absence of therefrom shall be borne exclusively by the loser- and the legitimate children of either spouse; however,
designation, share and share alike, without prejudice spouse. (153a, 154a, 155, 159) the support of illegitimate children shall be governed
to the right of accretion when proper. (150a) by the provisions of this Code on Support;
Art. 118. Property bought on installments paid partly
Art. 114. If the donations are onerous, the amount of from exclusive funds of either or both spouses and (2) All debts and obligations contracted during the
the charges shall be borne by the exclusive property of partly from conjugal funds belongs to the buyer or marriage by the designated administrator-spouse for
the donee spouse, whenever they have been buyers if full ownership was vested before the the benefit of the conjugal partnership of gains, or by
both spouses or by one of them with the consent of have been covered, if the spouse who is bound should
the other; have no exclusive property or if it should be (1) Upon the death of either spouse;
insufficient; but at the time of the liquidation of the
(3) Debts and obligations contracted by either spouse partnership, such spouse shall be charged for what (2) When there is a decree of legal separation;
without the consent of the other to the extent that the has been paid for the purpose above-mentioned.
family may have benefited; (163a) (3) When the marriage is annulled or declared void; or

(4) All taxes, liens, charges, and expenses, including Art. 123. Whatever may be lost during the marriage in (4) In case of judicial separation of property during the
major or minor repairs upon the conjugal partnership any game of chance or in betting, sweepstakes, or any marriage under Articles 134 to 138. (175a)
property; other kind of gambling whether permitted or prohibited
by law, shall be borne by the loser and shall not be Art. 127. The separation in fact between husband and
(5) All taxes and expenses for mere preservation charged to the conjugal partnership but any winnings wife shall not affect the regime of conjugal
made during the marriage upon the separate property therefrom shall form part of the conjugal partnership partnership, except that:
of either spouse; property. (164a)
(1) The spouse who leaves the conjugal home or
(6) Expenses to enable either spouse to commence or Section 5. Administration of the refuses to live therein, without just cause, shall not
complete a professional, vocational, or other activity Conjugal Partnership Property have the right to be supported;
for self-improvement;
Art. 124. The administration and enjoyment of the (2) When the consent of one spouse to any
(7) Ante-nuptial debts of either spouse insofar as they conjugal partnership shall belong to both spouses transaction of the other is required by law, judicial
have redounded to the benefit of the family; jointly. In case of disagreement, the husband's authorization shall be obtained in a summary
decision shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court proceeding;
(8) The value of what is donated or promised by both by the wife for proper remedy, which must be availed
spouses in favor of their common legitimate children of within five years from the date of the contract (3) In the absence of sufficient conjugal partnership
for the exclusive purpose of commencing or implementing such decision. property, the separate property of both spouses shall
completing a professional or vocational course or be solidarily liable for the support of the family. The
other activity for self-improvement; and In the event that one spouse is incapacitated or spouse present shall, upon petition in a summary
otherwise unable to participate in the administration of proceeding, be given judicial authority to administer or
(9) Expenses of litigation between the spouses unless the conjugal properties, the other spouse may assume encumber any specific separate property of the other
the suit is found to groundless. sole powers of administration. These powers do not spouse and use the fruits or proceeds thereof to
include disposition or encumbrance without authority satisfy the latter's share. (178a)
If the conjugal partnership is insufficient to cover the of the court or the written consent of the other spouse.
foregoing liabilities, the spouses shall be solidarily In the absence of such authority or consent, the Art. 128. If a spouse without just cause abandons the
liable for the unpaid balance with their separate disposition or encumbrance shall be void. However, other or fails to comply with his or her obligation to the
properties. (161a) the transaction shall be construed as a continuing family, the aggrieved spouse may petition the court for
offer on the part of the consenting spouse and the receivership, for judicial separation of property, or for
Art. 122. The payment of personal debts contracted by third person, and may be perfected as a binding authority to be the sole administrator of the conjugal
the husband or the wife before or during the marriage contract upon the acceptance by the other spouse or partnership property, subject to such precautionary
shall not be charged to the conjugal properties authorization by the court before the offer is withdrawn conditions as the court may impose.
partnership except insofar as they redounded to the by either or both offerors. (165a) The obligations to the family mentioned in the
benefit of the family. preceding paragraph refer to marital, parental or
Art. 125. Neither spouse may donate any conjugal property relations.
Neither shall the fines and pecuniary indemnities partnership property without the consent of the other.
imposed upon them be charged to the partnership. However, either spouse may, without the consent of A spouse is deemed to have abandoned the other
the other, make moderate donations from the conjugal when he or she has left the conjugal dwelling without
However, the payment of personal debts contracted by partnership property for charity or on occasions of intention of returning. The spouse who has left the
either spouse before the marriage, that of fines and family rejoicing or family distress. (174a) conjugal dwelling for a period of three months or has
indemnities imposed upon them, as well as the failed within the same period to give any information
support of illegitimate children of either spouse, may Section 6. Dissolution of Conjugal Partnership Regime as to his or her whereabouts shall be prima facie
be enforced against the partnership assets after the presumed to have no intention of returning to the
responsibilities enumerated in the preceding Article Art. 126. The conjugal partnership terminates: conjugal dwelling. (167a, 191a)
 Art. 133. From the common mass of property support
Section 7. Liquidation of the (9) In the partition of the properties, the conjugal shall be given to the surviving spouse and to the
Conjugal Partnership Assets and Liabilities dwelling and the lot on which it is situated shall, children during the liquidation of the inventoried
unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, be property and until what belongs to them is delivered;
Art. 129. Upon the dissolution of the conjugal adjudicated to the spouse with whom the majority of but from this shall be deducted that amount received
partnership regime, the following procedure shall the common children choose to remain. Children for support which exceeds the fruits or rents pertaining
apply: below the age of seven years are deemed to have to them. (188a)
chosen the mother, unless the court has decided
(1) An inventory shall be prepared, listing separately otherwise. In case there is no such majority, the court Chapter 5. Separation of Property of the
all the properties of the conjugal partnership and the shall decide, taking into consideration the best Spouses and Administration of Common Property by
exclusive properties of each spouse. interests of said children. (181a, 182a, 183a, 184a, One Spouse During the Marriage
185a)
(2) Amounts advanced by the conjugal partnership in Art. 134. In the absence of an express declaration in
payment of personal debts and obligations of either Art. 130. Upon the termination of the marriage by the marriage settlements, the separation of property
spouse shall be credited to the conjugal partnership as death, the conjugal partnership property shall be between spouses during the marriage shall not take
an asset thereof. liquidated in the same proceeding for the settlement of place except by judicial order. Such judicial separation
the estate of the deceased. of property may either be voluntary or for sufficient
(3) Each spouse shall be reimbursed for the use of his cause. (190a)
or her exclusive funds in the acquisition of property or If no judicial settlement proceeding is instituted, the
for the value of his or her exclusive property, the surviving spouse shall liquidate the conjugal Art. 135. Any of the following shall be considered
ownership of which has been vested by law in the partnership property either judicially or extra-judicially sufficient cause for judicial separation of property:
conjugal partnership. within six months from the death of the deceased
spouse. If upon the lapse of the six-month period no (1) That the spouse of the petitioner has been
(4) The debts and obligations of the conjugal liquidation is made, any disposition or encumbrance sentenced to a penalty which carries with it civil
partnership shall be paid out of the conjugal assets. In involving the conjugal partnership property of the interdiction;
case of insufficiency of said assets, the spouses shall terminated marriage shall be void.
be solidarily liable for the unpaid balance with their (2) That the spouse of the petitioner has been
separate properties, in accordance with the provisions Should the surviving spouse contract a subsequent judicially declared an absentee;
of paragraph (2) of Article 121. marriage without compliance with the foregoing
requirements, a mandatory regime of complete (3) That loss of parental authority of the spouse of
(5) Whatever remains of the exclusive properties of separation of property shall govern the property petitioner has been decreed by the court;
the spouses shall thereafter be delivered to each of relations of the subsequent marriage. (n)
them. (4) That the spouse of the petitioner has abandoned
Art. 131. Whenever the liquidation of the conjugal the latter or failed to comply with his or her obligations
(6) Unless the owner had been indemnified from partnership properties of two or more marriages to the family as provided for in Article 101;
whatever source, the loss or deterioration of movables contracted by the same person before the effectivity of
used for the benefit of the family, belonging to either this Code is carried out simultaneously, the respective (5) That the spouse granted the power of
spouse, even due to fortuitous event, shall be paid to capital, fruits and income of each partnership shall be administration in the marriage settlements has abused
said spouse from the conjugal funds, if any. determined upon such proof as may be considered that power; and
according to the rules of evidence. In case of doubt as
(7) The net remainder of the conjugal partnership to which partnership the existing properties belong, (6) That at the time of the petition, the spouses have
properties shall constitute the profits, which shall be the same shall be divided between the different been separated in fact for at least one year and
divided equally between husband and wife, unless a partnerships in proportion to the capital and duration reconciliation is highly improbable.
different proportion or division was agreed upon in the of each. (189a)
marriage settlements or unless there has been a In the cases provided for in Numbers (1), (2) and (3),
voluntary waiver or forfeiture of such share as Art. 132. The Rules of Court on the administration of the presentation of the final judgment against the
provided in this Code. estates of deceased persons shall be observed in the guilty or absent spouse shall be enough basis for the
appraisal and sale of property of the conjugal grant of the decree of judicial separation of property.
(8) The presumptive legitimes of the common children partnership, and other matters which are not expressly (191a)
shall be delivered upon the partition in accordance determined in this Chapter. (187a)
with Article 51. Art. 136. The spouses may jointly file a verified
petition with the court for the voluntary dissolution of without a decree of legal separation resumes common the latter case, the property not agreed upon as
the absolute community or the conjugal partnership of life with the other; separate shall pertain to the absolute community.
gains, and for the separation of their common (213a)
properties. (5) When parental authority is judicially restored to the
spouse previously deprived thereof; Art. 145. Each spouse shall own, dispose of, possess,
All creditors of the absolute community or of the administer and enjoy his or her own separate estate,
conjugal partnership of gains, as well as the personal (6) When the spouses who have separated in fact for without need of the consent of the other. To each
creditors of the spouse, shall be listed in the petition at least one year, reconcile and resume common life; spouse shall belong all earnings from his or her
and notified of the filing thereof. The court shall take or profession, business or industry and all fruits, natural,
measures to protect the creditors and other persons industrial or civil, due or received during the marriage
with pecuniary interest. (191a) (7) When after voluntary dissolution of the absolute from his or her separate property. (214a)
community of property or conjugal partnership has
Art. 137. Once the separation of property has been been judicially decreed upon the joint petition of the Art. 146. Both spouses shall bear the family expenses
decreed, the absolute community or the conjugal spouses, they agree to the revival of the former in proportion to their income, or, in case of
partnership of gains shall be liquidated in conformity property regime. No voluntary separation of property insufficiency or default thereof, to the current market
with this Code. may thereafter be granted. value of their separate properties.

During the pendency of the proceedings for separation The revival of the former property regime shall be The liabilities of the spouses to creditors for family
of property, the absolute community or the conjugal governed by Article 67. (195a) expenses shall, however, be solidary. (215a)
partnership shall pay for the support of the spouses
and their children. (192a) Art. 142. The administration of all classes of exclusive Chapter 7. Property Regime of Unions Without
property of either spouse may be transferred by the Marriage
Art. 138. After dissolution of the absolute community court to the other spouse:
or of the conjugal partnership, the provisions on Art. 147. When a man and a woman who are
complete separation of property shall apply. (191a) (1) When one spouse becomes the guardian of the capacitated to marry each other, live exclusively with
other; each other as husband and wife without the benefit of
Art. 139. The petition for separation of property and marriage or under a void marriage, their wages and
the final judgment granting the same shall be recorded (2) When one spouse is judicially declared an salaries shall be owned by them in equal shares and
in the proper local civil registries and registries of absentee; the property acquired by both of them through their
property. (193a) work or industry shall be governed by the rules on co-
(3) When one spouse is sentenced to a penalty which ownership.
Art. 140. The separation of property shall not prejudice carries with it civil interdiction; or
the rights previously acquired by creditors. (194a) In the absence of proof to the contrary, properties
(4) When one spouse becomes a fugitive from justice acquired while they lived together shall be presumed
Art. 141. The spouses may, in the same proceedings or is in hiding as an accused in a criminal case. to have been obtained by their joint efforts, work or
where separation of property was decreed, file a industry, and shall be owned by them in equal shares.
motion in court for a decree reviving the property If the other spouse is not qualified by reason of For purposes of this Article, a party who did not
regime that existed between them before the incompetence, conflict of interest, or any other just participate in the acquisition by the other party of any
separation of property in any of the following cause, the court shall appoint a suitable person to be property shall be deemed to have contributed jointly in
instances: the administrator. (n) the acquisition thereof if the former's efforts consisted
in the care and maintenance of the family and of the
(1) When the civil interdiction terminates; Chapter 6. Regime of Separation of Property household.

(2) When the absentee spouse reappears; Art. 143. Should the future spouses agree in the Neither party can encumber or dispose by acts inter
marriage settlements that their property relations vivos of his or her share in the property acquired
(3) When the court, being satisfied that the spouse during marriage shall be governed by the regime of during cohabitation and owned in common, without
granted the power of administration in the marriage separation of property, the provisions of this Chapter the consent of the other, until after the termination of
settlements will not again abuse that power, shall be suppletory. (212a) their cohabitation.
authorizes the resumption of said administration;
Art. 144. Separation of property may refer to present When only one of the parties to a void marriage is in
(4) When the spouse who has left the conjugal home or future property or both. It may be total or partial. In good faith, the share of the party in bad faith in the co-
ownership shall be forfeited in favor of their common shall prosper unless it should appear from the verified the building. (243a)
children. In case of default of or waiver by any or all of complaint or petition that earnest efforts toward a
the common children or their descendants, each compromise have been made, but that the same have Art. 156. The family home must be part of the
vacant share shall belong to the respective surviving failed. If it is shown that no such efforts were in fact properties of the absolute community or the conjugal
descendants. In the absence of descendants, such made, the same case must be dismissed. partnership, or of the exclusive properties of either
share shall belong to the innocent party. In all cases, This rules shall not apply to cases which may not be spouse with the latter's consent. It may also be
the forfeiture shall take place upon termination of the the subject of compromise under the Civil Code. constituted by an unmarried head of a family on his or
cohabitation. (144a) (222a) her own property.

Art. 148. In cases of cohabitation not falling under the Chapter 2. The Family Home Nevertheless, property that is the subject of a
preceding Article, only the properties acquired by both conditional sale on installments where ownership is
of the parties through their actual joint contribution of Art. 152. The family home, constituted jointly by the reserved by the vendor only to guarantee payment of
money, property, or industry shall be owned by them husband and the wife or by an unmarried head of a the purchase price may be constituted as a family
in common in proportion to their respective family, is the dwelling house where they and their home. (227a, 228a)
contributions. In the absence of proof to the contrary, family reside, and the land on which it is situated.
their contributions and corresponding shares are (223a) Art. 157. The actual value of the family home shall not
presumed to be equal. The same rule and exceed, at the time of its constitution, the amount of
presumption shall apply to joint deposits of money Art. 153. The family home is deemed constituted on a the three hundred thousand pesos in urban areas, and
and evidences of credit. house and lot from the time it is occupied as a family two hundred thousand pesos in rural areas, or such
residence. From the time of its constitution and so amounts as may hereafter be fixed by law.
If one of the parties is validly married to another, his long as any of its beneficiaries actually resides
or her share in the co-ownership shall accrue to the therein, the family home continues to be such and is In any event, if the value of the currency changes after
absolute community or conjugal partnership existing exempt from execution, forced sale or attachment the adoption of this Code, the value most favorable for
in such valid marriage. If the party who acted in bad except as hereinafter provided and to the extent of the the constitution of a family home shall be the basis of
faith is not validly married to another, his or her shall value allowed by law. (223a) evaluation.
be forfeited in the manner provided in the last
paragraph of the preceding Article. Art. 154. The beneficiaries of a family home are: For purposes of this Article, urban areas are deemed
to include chartered cities and municipalities whose
The foregoing rules on forfeiture shall likewise apply (1) The husband and wife, or an unmarried person annual income at least equals that legally required for
even if both parties are in bad faith. (144a) who is the head of a family; and chartered cities. All others are deemed to be rural
areas. (231a)
TITLE V (2) Their parents, ascendants, descendants, brothers
and sisters, whether the relationship be legitimate or Art. 158. The family home may be sold, alienated,
THE FAMILY illegitimate, who are living in the family home and who donated, assigned or encumbered by the owner or
depend upon the head of the family for legal support. owners thereof with the written consent of the person
Chapter 1. The Family as an Institution (226a) constituting the same, the latter's spouse, and a
majority of the beneficiaries of legal age. In case of
Art. 149. The family, being the foundation of the Art. 155. The family home shall be exempt from conflict, the court shall decide. (235a)
nation, is a basic social institution which public policy execution, forced sale or attachment except:
cherishes and protects. Consequently, family relations Art. 159. The family home shall continue despite the
are governed by law and no custom, practice or (1) For nonpayment of taxes; death of one or both spouses or of the unmarried head
agreement destructive of the family shall be of the family for a period of ten years or for as long as
recognized or given effect. (216a, 218a) (2) For debts incurred prior to the constitution of the there is a minor beneficiary, and the heirs cannot
Art. 50. Family relations include those: family home; partition the same unless the court finds compelling
reasons therefor. This rule shall apply regardless of
(1) Between husband and wife; (3) For debts secured by mortgages on the premises whoever owns the property or constituted the family
(2) Between parents and children; before or after such constitution; and home. (238a)
(3) Among brothers and sisters, whether of the full or
half-blood. (217a) (4) For debts due to laborers, mechanics, architects, Art. 160. When a creditor whose claims is not among
builders, materialmen and others who have rendered those mentioned in Article 155 obtains a judgment in
Art. 151. No suit between members of the same family service or furnished material for the construction of his favor, and he has reasonable grounds to believe
that the family home is actually worth more than the together with the birth certificate of the child. (55a,
maximum amount fixed in Article 157, he may apply 258a) (2) A child born after one hundred eighty days
to the court which rendered the judgment for an order following the celebration of the subsequent marriage
directing the sale of the property under execution. The Art. 165. Children conceived and born outside a valid is considered to have been conceived during such
court shall so order if it finds that the actual value of marriage are illegitimate, unless otherwise provided in marriage, even though it be born within the three
the family home exceeds the maximum amount this Code. (n) hundred days after the termination of the former
allowed by law as of the time of its constitution. If the marriage. (259a)
increased actual value exceeds the maximum allowed Art. 166. Legitimacy of a child may be impugned only
in Article 157 and results from subsequent voluntary on the following grounds: Art. 169. The legitimacy or illegitimacy of a child born
improvements introduced by the person or persons after three hundred days following the termination of
constituting the family home, by the owner or owners (1) That it was physically impossible for the husband the marriage shall be proved by whoever alleges such
of the property, or by any of the beneficiaries, the to have sexual intercourse with his wife within the first legitimacy or illegitimacy. (261a)
same rule and procedure shall apply. 120 days of the 300 days which immediately preceded
the birth of the child because of: Art. 170. The action to impugn the legitimacy of the
At the execution sale, no bid below the value allowed child shall be brought within one year from the
for a family home shall be considered. The proceeds (a) the physical incapacity of the husband to have knowledge of the birth or its recording in the civil
shall be applied first to the amount mentioned in sexual intercourse with his wife; register, if the husband or, in a proper case, any of his
Article 157, and then to the liabilities under the heirs, should reside in the city or municipality where
judgment and the costs. The excess, if any, shall be (b) the fact that the husband and wife were living the birth took place or was recorded.
delivered to the judgment debtor. (247a, 248a) separately in such a way that sexual intercourse was
not possible; or If the husband or, in his default, all of his heirs do not
Art. 161. For purposes of availing of the benefits of a reside at the place of birth as defined in the first
family home as provided for in this Chapter, a person (c) serious illness of the husband, which absolutely paragraph or where it was recorded, the period shall
may constitute, or be the beneficiary of, only one prevented sexual intercourse; be two years if they should reside in the Philippines;
family home. (n) and three years if abroad. If the birth of the child has
(2) That it is proved that for biological or other been concealed from or was unknown to the husband
Art. 162. The provisions in this Chapter shall also scientific reasons, the child could not have been that or his heirs, the period shall be counted from the
govern existing family residences insofar as said of the husband, except in the instance provided in the discovery or knowledge of the birth of the child or of
provisions are applicable. (n) second paragraph of Article 164; or the fact of registration of said birth, whichever is
earlier. (263a)
TITLE VI (3) That in case of children conceived through artificial
insemination, the written authorization or ratification of Art. 171. The heirs of the husband may impugn the
PATERNITY AND FILIATION either parent was obtained through mistake, fraud, filiation of the child within the period prescribed in the
violence, intimidation, or undue influence. (255a) preceding article only in the following cases:
Chapter 1. Legitimate Children
Art. 167. The child shall be considered legitimate (1) If the husband should died before the expiration of
Art. 163. The filiation of children may be by nature or although the mother may have declared against its the period fixed for bringing his action;
by adoption. Natural filiation may be legitimate or legitimacy or may have been sentenced as an
illegitimate. (n) adulteress. (256a) (2) If he should die after the filing of the complaint
without having desisted therefrom; or
Art. 164. Children conceived or born during the Art. 168. If the marriage is terminated and the mother
marriage of the parents are legitimate. contracted another marriage within three hundred (3) If the child was born after the death of the
days after such termination of the former marriage, husband. (262a)
Children conceived as a result of artificial these rules shall govern in the absence of proof to the
insemination of the wife with the sperm of the contrary: Chapter 2. Proof of Filiation
husband or that of a donor or both are likewise
legitimate children of the husband and his wife, (1) A child born before one hundred eighty days after Art. 172. The filiation of legitimate children is
provided, that both of them authorized or ratified such the solemnization of the subsequent marriage is established by any of the following:
insemination in a written instrument executed and considered to have been conceived during the former
signed by them before the birth of the child. The marriage, provided it be born within three hundred (1) The record of birth appearing in the civil register or
instrument shall be recorded in the civil registry days after the termination of the former marriage; a final judgment; or
 with this Code. The legitime of each illegitimate child
(2) An admission of legitimate filiation in a public shall consist of one-half of the legitime of a legitimate Art. 184. The following persons may not adopt:
document or a private handwritten instrument and child. Except for this modification, all other provisions
signed by the parent concerned. in the Civil Code governing successional rights shall (1) The guardian with respect to the ward prior to the
remain in force. (287a) approval of the final accounts rendered upon the
In the absence of the foregoing evidence, the termination of their guardianship relation;
legitimate filiation shall be Chapter 4. Legitimated Children
proved by: (2) Any person who has been convicted of a crime
Art. 177. Only children conceived and born outside of involving moral turpitude;
(1) The open and continuous possession of the status wedlock of parents who, at the time of the conception
of a legitimate child; or of the former, were not disqualified by any impediment (3) An alien, except:
to marry each other may be legitimated. (269a)
(2) Any other means allowed by the Rules of Court (a) A former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a
and special laws. (265a, 266a, 267a) Art. 178. Legitimation shall take place by a relative by consanguinity;
subsequent valid marriage between parents. The
Art. 173. The action to claim legitimacy may be annulment of a voidable marriage shall not affect the (b) One who seeks to adopt the legitimate child of his
brought by the child during his or her lifetime and shall legitimation. (270a) or her Filipino spouse; or
be transmitted to the heirs should the child die during
minority or in a state of insanity. In these cases, the Art. 179. Legitimated children shall enjoy the same (c) One who is married to a Filipino citizen and seeks
heirs shall have a period of five years within which to rights as legitimate children. (272a) to adopt jointly with his or her spouse a relative by
institute the action. consanguinity of the latter.
Art. 174. Legitimate children shall have the right: Art. 180. The effects of legitimation shall retroact to
the time of the child's birth. (273a) Aliens not included in the foregoing exceptions may
(1) To bear the surnames of the father and the adopt Filipino children in accordance with the rules on
mother, in conformity with the provisions of the Civil Art. 181. The legitimation of children who died before inter-country adoptions as may be provided by law.
Code on Surnames; the celebration of the marriage shall benefit their (28a, E. O. 91 and PD 603)
descendants. (274)
(2) To receive support from their parents, their Art. 185. Husband and wife must jointly adopt, except
ascendants, and in proper cases, their brothers and Art. 182. Legitimation may be impugned only by those in the following cases:
sisters, in conformity with the provisions of this Code who are prejudiced in their rights, within five years
on Support; and from the time their cause of action accrues. (275a) (1) When one spouse seeks to adopt his own
illegitimate child; or
(3) To be entitled to the legitimate and other TITLE VII
successional rights granted to them by the Civil Code. (2) When one spouse seeks to adopt the legitimate
(264a) ADOPTION child of the other. (29a, E. O. 91 and PD 603)

Chapter 3. Illegitimate Children Art. 183. A person of age and in possession of full civil Art. 186. In case husband and wife jointly adopt or
capacity and legal rights may adopt, provided he is in one spouse adopts the legitimate child of the other,
Art. 175. Illegitimate children may establish their a position to support and care for his children, joint parental authority shall be exercised by the
illegitimate filiation in the same way and on the same legitimate or illegitimate, in keeping with the means of spouses in accordance with this Code. (29a, E. O. and
evidence as legitimate children. the family. PD 603)

The action must be brought within the same period Only minors may be adopted, except in the cases Art. 187. The following may not be adopted:
specified in Article 173, except when the action is when the adoption of a person of majority age is
based on the second paragraph of Article 172, in allowed in this Title. (1) A person of legal age, unless he or she is a child
which case the action may be brought during the by nature of the adopter or his or her spouse, or, prior
lifetime of the alleged parent. (289a) In addition, the adopter must be at least sixteen years to the adoption, said person has been consistently
older than the person to be adopted, unless the considered and treated by the adopter as his or her
Art. 176. Illegitimate children shall use the surname adopter is the parent by nature of the adopted, or is own child during minority.
and shall be under the parental authority of their the spouse of the legitimate parent of the person to be
mother, and shall be entitled to support in conformity adopted. (27a, E. O. 91 and PD 603) (2) An alien with whose government the Republic of
the Philippines has no diplomatic relations; and ordinary rules of legal or intestate succession; Art. 193. If the adopted minor has not reached the age
of majority at the time of the judicial rescission of the
(3) A person who has already been adopted unless (2) When the parents, legitimate or illegitimate, or the adoption, the court in the same proceeding shall
such adoption has been previously revoked or legitimate ascendants of the adopted concur with the reinstate the parental authority of the parents by
rescinded. (30a, E. O. 91 and PD 603) adopter, they shall divide the entire estate, one-half to nature, unless the latter are disqualified or
be inherited by the parents or ascendants and the incapacitated, in which case the court shall appoint a
Art. 188. The written consent of the following to the other half, by the adopters; guardian over the person and property of the minor. If
adoption shall be necessary: the adopted person is physically or mentally
(3) When the surviving spouse or the illegitimate handicapped, the court shall appoint in the same
(1) The person to be adopted, if ten years of age or children of the adopted concur with the adopters, they proceeding a guardian over his person or property or
over, shall divide the entire estate in equal shares, one-half both.
to be inherited by the spouse or the illegitimate
(2) The parents by nature of the child, the legal children of the adopted and the other half, by the Judicial rescission of the adoption shall extinguish all
guardian, or the proper government instrumentality; adopters. reciprocal rights and obligations between the adopters
and the adopted arising from the relationship of parent
(3) The legitimate and adopted children, ten years of (4) When the adopters concur with the illegitimate and child. The adopted shall likewise lose the right to
age or over, of the adopting parent or parents; children and the surviving spouse of the adopted, they use the surnames of the adopters and shall resume
shall divide the entire estate in equal shares, one-third his surname prior to the adoption.
(4) The illegitimate children, ten years of age or over, to be inherited by the illegitimate children, one-third by
of the adopting parent, if living with said parent and the surviving spouse, and one-third by the adopters; The court shall accordingly order the amendment of
the latter's spouse, if any; and the records in the proper registries. (42a, PD 603)
(5) When only the adopters survive, they shall inherit
(5) The spouse, if any, of the person adopting or to be the entire estate; and TITLE VIII
adopted. (31a, E. O. 91 and PD 603)
(6) When only collateral blood relatives of the adopted SUPPORT
Art. 189. Adoption shall have the following effects: survive, then the ordinary rules of legal or intestate
succession shall apply. (39(4)a, PD 603) Art. 194. Support comprises everything indispensable
(1) For civil purposes, the adopted shall be deemed to for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical
be a legitimate child of the adopters and both shall Art. 191. If the adopted is a minor or otherwise attendance, education and transportation, in keeping
acquire the reciprocal rights and obligations arising incapacitated, the adoption may be judicially with the financial capacity of the family.
from the relationship of parent and child, including the rescinded upon petition of any person authorized by
right of the adopted to use the surname of the the court or proper government instrumental acting on The education of the person entitled to be supported
adopters; his behalf, on the same grounds prescribed for loss or referred to in the preceding paragraph shall include his
suspension of parental authority. If the adopted is at schooling or training for some profession, trade or
(2) The parental authority of the parents by nature least eighteen years of age, he may petition for judicial vocation, even beyond the age of majority.
over the adopted shall terminate and be vested in the rescission of the adoption on the same grounds Transportation shall include expenses in going to and
adopters, except that if the adopter is the spouse of prescribed for disinheriting an ascendant. (40a, PD from school, or to and from place of work. (290a)
the parent by nature of the adopted, parental authority 603)
over the adopted shall be exercised jointly by both Art. 105. Subject to the provisions of the succeeding
spouses; and Art. 192. The adopters may petition the court for the articles, the following are obliged to support each
judicial rescission of the adoption in any of the other to the whole extent set forth in the preceding
(3) The adopted shall remain an intestate heir of his following cases: article:
parents and other blood relatives. (39(1)a, (3)a, PD
603) (1) If the adopted has committed any act constituting (1) The spouses;
ground for disinheriting a descendant; or
Art. 190. Legal or intestate succession to the estate of (2) Legitimate ascendants and descendants;
the adopted shall be governed by the following rules: (2) When the adopted has abandoned the home of the
adopters during minority for at least one year, or, by (3) Parents and their legitimate children and the
(1) Legitimate and illegitimate children and some other acts, has definitely repudiated the legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter;
descendants and the surviving spouse of the adopted adoption. (41a, PD 603)
shall inherit from the adopted, in accordance with the (4) Parents and their illegitimate children and the
legitimate and illegitimate children of the latter; and circumstances, the judge may order only one of them execution. (302a)
to furnish the support provisionally, without prejudice
(5) Legitimate brothers and sisters, whether of full or to his right to claim from the other obligors the share Art. 206. When, without the knowledge of the person
half-blood (291a) due from them. obliged to give support, it is given by a stranger, the
latter shall have a right to claim the same from the
Art. 196. Brothers and sisters not legitimately related, When two or more recipients at the same time claim former, unless it appears that he gave it without
whether of the full or half-blood, are likewise bound to support from one and the same person legally obliged intention of being reimbursed. (2164a)
support each other to the full extent set forth in Article to give it, should the latter not have sufficient means
194, except only when the need for support of the to satisfy all claims, the order established in the Art. 207. When the person obliged to support another
brother or sister, being of age, is due to a cause preceding article shall be followed, unless the unjustly refuses or fails to give support when urgently
imputable to the claimant's fault or negligence. (291a) concurrent obligees should be the spouse and a child needed by the latter, any third person may furnish
subject to parental authority, in which case the child support to the needy individual, with right of
Art. 197. In case of legitimate ascendants; shall be preferred. (295a) reimbursement from the person obliged to give
descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate; and support. This Article shall particularly apply when the
brothers and sisters, whether legitimately or Art. 201. The amount of support, in the cases referred father or mother of a child under the age of majority
illegitimately related, only the separate property of the to in Articles 195 and 196, shall be in proportion to the unjustly refuses to support or fails to give support to
person obliged to give support shall be answerable resources or means of the giver and to the necessities the child when urgently needed. (2166a)
provided that in case the obligor has no separate of the recipient. (296a)
property, the absolute community or the conjugal Art. 208. In case of contractual support or that given
partnership, if financially capable, shall advance the Art. 202. Support in the cases referred to in the by will, the excess in amount beyond that required for
support, which shall be deducted from the share of the preceding article shall be reduced or increased legal support shall be subject to levy on attachment or
spouse obliged upon the liquidation of the absolute proportionately, according to the reduction or increase execution.
community or of the conjugal partnership. (n) of the necessities of the recipient and the resources or
means of the person obliged to furnish the same. Furthermore, contractual support shall be subject to
Art. 198. During the proceedings for legal separation (297a) adjustment whenever modification is necessary due to
or for annulment of marriage, and for declaration of changes of circumstances manifestly beyond the
nullity of marriage, the spouses and their children Art. 203. The obligation to give support shall be contemplation of the parties. (n)
shall be supported from the properties of the absolute demandable from the time the person who has a right
community or the conjugal partnership. After the final to receive the same needs it for maintenance, but it
judgment granting the petition, the obligation of shall not be paid except from the date of judicial or
mutual support between the spouses ceases. extra-judicial demand. TITLE IX
However, in case of legal separation, the court may PARENTAL AUTHORITY
order that the guilty spouse shall give support to the Support pendente lite may be claimed in accordance
innocent one, specifying the terms of such order. with the Rules of Court. Chapter 1. General Provisions
(292a)
Payment shall be made within the first five days of Art. 209. Pursuant to the natural right and duty of
Art. 199. Whenever two or more persons are obliged each corresponding month or when the recipient dies, parents over the person and property of their
to give support, the liability shall devolve upon the his heirs shall not be obliged to return what he has unemancipated children, parental authority and
following persons in the order herein provided: received in advance. (298a) responsibility shall include the caring for and rearing
them for civic consciousness and efficiency and the
(1) The spouse; Art. 204. The person obliged to give support shall development of their moral, mental and physical
(2) The descendants in the nearest degree; have the option to fulfill the obligation either by paying character and well-being. (n)
(3) The ascendants in the nearest degree; and the allowance fixed, or by receiving and maintaining in
(4) The brothers and sisters. (294a) the family dwelling the person who has a right to Art. 210. Parental authority and responsibility may not
receive support. The latter alternative cannot be be renounced or transferred except in the cases
Art. 200. When the obligation to give support falls availed of in case there is a moral or legal obstacle authorized by law. (313a)
upon two or more persons, the payment of the same thereto. (299a)
shall be divided between them in proportion to the Art. 211. The father and the mother shall jointly
resources of each. Art. 205. The right to receive support under this Title exercise parental authority over the persons of their
as well as any money or property obtained as such common children. In case of disagreement, the
However, in case of urgent need and by special support shall not be levied upon on attachment or father's decision shall prevail, unless there is a judicial
order to the contrary. the property of the child becomes necessary, the (2) To give them love and affection, advice and
same order of preference shall be observed. (349a, counsel, companionship and understanding;
Children shall always observe respect and reverence 351a, 354a)
towards their parents and are obliged to obey them as (3) To provide them with moral and spiritual guidance,
long as the children are under parental authority. Art. 217. In case of foundlings, abandoned neglected inculcate in them honesty, integrity, self-discipline,
(311a) or abused children and other children similarly self-reliance, industry and thrift, stimulate their interest
situated, parental authority shall be entrusted in in civic affairs, and inspire in them compliance with
Art. 212. In case of absence or death of either parent, summary judicial proceedings to heads of children's the duties of citizenship;
the parent present shall continue exercising parental homes, orphanages and similar institutions duly
authority. The remarriage of the surviving parent shall accredited by the proper government agency. (314a) (4) To furnish them with good and wholesome
not affect the parental authority over the children, educational materials, supervise their activities,
unless the court appoints another person to be the Art. 218. The school, its administrators and teachers, recreation and association with others, protect them
guardian of the person or property of the children. (n) or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child from bad company, and prevent them from acquiring
are shall have special parental authority and habits detrimental to their health, studies and morals;
Art. 213. In case of separation of the parents, parental responsibility over the minor child while under their
authority shall be exercised by the parent designated supervision, instruction or custody. (5) To represent them in all matters affecting their
by the Court. The Court shall take into account all interests;
relevant considerations, especially the choice of the Authority and responsibility shall apply to all
child over seven years of age, unless the parent authorized activities whether inside or outside the (6) To demand from them respect and obedience;
chosen is unfit. (n) premises of the school, entity or institution. (349a)
(7) To impose discipline on them as may be required
Art. 214. In case of death, absence or unsuitability of Art. 219. Those given the authority and responsibility under the circumstances; and
the parents, substitute parental authority shall be under the preceding Article shall be principally and
exercised by the surviving grandparent. In case solidarily liable for damages caused by the acts or (8) To perform such other duties as are imposed by
several survive, the one designated by the court, omissions of the unemancipated minor. The parents, law upon parents and guardians. (316a)
taking into account the same consideration mentioned judicial guardians or the persons exercising substitute
in the preceding article, shall exercise the authority. parental authority over said minor shall be subsidiarily Art. 221. Parents and other persons exercising
(355a) liable. parental authority shall be civilly liable for the injuries
and damages caused by the acts or omissions of their
Art. 215. No descendant shall be compelled, in a The respective liabilities of those referred to in the unemancipated children living in their company and
criminal case, to testify against his parents and preceding paragraph shall not apply if it is proved that under their parental authority subject to the
grandparents, except when such testimony is they exercised the proper diligence required under the appropriate defenses provided by law. (2180(2)a and
indispensable in a crime against the descendant or by particular circumstances. (4)a )
one parent against the other. (315a)
All other cases not covered by this and the preceding Art. 222. The courts may appoint a guardian of the
Chapter 2. Substitute and Special Parental Authority articles shall be governed by the provisions of the Civil child's property or a guardian ad litem when the best
Code on quasi-delicts. (n) interests of the child so requires. (317)
Art. 216. In default of parents or a judicially appointed
guardian, the following person shall exercise Chapter 3. Effect of Parental Authority Art. 223. The parents or, in their absence or
substitute parental authority over the child in the order Upon the Persons of the Children incapacity, the individual, entity or institution
indicated: exercising parental authority, may petition the proper
Art. 220. The parents and those exercising parental court of the place where the child resides, for an order
(1) The surviving grandparent, as provided in Art. 214; authority shall have with the respect to their providing for disciplinary measures over the child. The
unemancipated children on wards the following rights child shall be entitled to the assistance of counsel,
(2) The oldest brother or sister, over twenty-one years and duties: either of his choice or appointed by the court, and a
of age, unless unfit or disqualified; and summary hearing shall be conducted wherein the
(1) To keep them in their company, to support, petitioner and the child shall be heard.
(3) The child's actual custodian, over twenty-one years educate and instruct them by right precept and good
of age, unless unfit or disqualified. example, and to provide for their upbringing in keeping However, if in the same proceeding the court finds the
with their means; petitioner at fault, irrespective of the merits of the
Whenever the appointment or a judicial guardian over petition, or when the circumstances so warrant, the
court may also order the deprivation or suspension of on guardianship shall apply. (320a)
parental authority or adopt such other measures as it Art. 230. Parental authority is suspended upon
may deem just and proper. (318a) Art. 226. The property of the unemancipated child conviction of the parent or the person exercising the
earned or acquired with his work or industry or by same of a crime which carries with it the penalty of
Art. 224. The measures referred to in the preceding onerous or gratuitous title shall belong to the child in civil interdiction. The authority is automatically
article may include the commitment of the child for not ownership and shall be devoted exclusively to the reinstated upon service of the penalty or upon pardon
more than thirty days in entities or institutions latter's support and education, unless the title or or amnesty of the offender. (330a)
engaged in child care or in children's homes duly transfer provides otherwise.
accredited by the proper government agency. Art. 231. The court in an action filed for the purpose in
The right of the parents over the fruits and income of a related case may also suspend parental authority if
The parent exercising parental authority shall not the child's property shall be limited primarily to the the parent or the person exercising the same:
interfere with the care of the child whenever child's support and secondarily to the collective daily
committed but shall provide for his support. Upon needs of the family. (321a, 323a) (1) Treats the child with excessive harshness or
proper petition or at its own instance, the court may cruelty;
terminate the commitment of the child whenever just Art. 227. If the parents entrust the management or
and proper. (391a) administration of any of their properties to an (2) Gives the child corrupting orders, counsel or
unemancipated child, the net proceeds of such example;
Chapter 4. Effect of Parental Authority Upon property shall belong to the owner. The child shall be
the Property of the Children given a reasonable monthly allowance in an amount (3) Compels the child to beg; or
not less than that which the owner would have paid if
Art. 225. The father and the mother shall jointly the administrator were a stranger, unless the owner, (4) Subjects the child or allows him to be subjected to
exercise legal guardianship over the property of the grants the entire proceeds to the child. In any case, acts of lasciviousness.
unemancipated common child without the necessity of the proceeds thus give in whole or in part shall not be
a court appointment. In case of disagreement, the charged to the child's legitime. (322a) The grounds enumerated above are deemed to
father's decision shall prevail, unless there is a judicial include cases which have resulted from culpable
order to the contrary. Chapter 5. Suspension or Termination of Parental negligence of the parent or the person exercising
Authority parental authority.
Where the market value of the property or the annual
income of the child exceeds P50,000, the parent Art. 228. Parental authority terminates permanently: If the degree of seriousness so warrants, or the
concerned shall be required to furnish a bond in such welfare of the child so demands, the court shall
amount as the court may determine, but not less than (1) Upon the death of the parents; deprive the guilty party of parental authority or adopt
ten per centum (10%) of the value of the property or such other measures as may be proper under the
annual income, to guarantee the performance of the (2) Upon the death of the child; or circumstances.
obligations prescribed for general guardians.
(3) Upon emancipation of the child. (327a) The suspension or deprivation may be revoked and
A verified petition for approval of the bond shall be the parental authority revived in a case filed for the
filed in the proper court of the place where the child Art. 229. Unless subsequently revived by a final purpose or in the same proceeding if the court finds
resides, or, if the child resides in a foreign country, in judgment, parental authority also terminates: that the cause therefor has ceased and will not be
the proper court of the place where the property or any repeated. (33a)
part thereof is situated. (1) Upon adoption of the child;
Art. 232. If the person exercising parental authority
The petition shall be docketed as a summary special (2) Upon appointment of a general guardian; has subjected the child or allowed him to be subjected
proceeding in which all incidents and issues regarding to sexual abuse, such person shall be permanently
the performance of the obligations referred to in the (3) Upon judicial declaration of abandonment of the deprived by the court of such authority. (n)
second paragraph of this Article shall be heard and child in a case filed for the purpose;
resolved. Art. 233. The person exercising substitute parental
(4) Upon final judgment of a competent court divesting authority shall have the same authority over the
The ordinary rules on guardianship shall be merely the party concerned of parental authority; or person of the child as the parents.
suppletory except when the child is under substitute
parental authority, or the guardian is a stranger, or a (5) Upon judicial declaration of absence or incapacity In no case shall the school administrator, teacher of
parent has remarried, in which case the ordinary rules of the person exercising parental authority. (327a) individual engaged in child care exercising special
parental authority inflict corporal punishment upon the proceed ex parte and render judgment as the facts
child. (n) Art. 239. When a husband and wife are separated in and circumstances may warrant. In any case, the
fact, or one has abandoned the other and one of them judge shall endeavor to protect the interests of the
TITLE X seeks judicial authorization for a transaction where the non-appearing spouse. (n)
EMANCIPATION AND AGE OF MAJORITY consent of the other spouse is required by law but
such consent is withheld or cannot be obtained, a Art. 246. If the petition is not resolved at the initial
Art. 234. Emancipation takes place by the attainment verified petition may be filed in court alleging the conference, said petition shall be decided in a
of majority. Unless otherwise provided, majority foregoing facts. summary hearing on the basis of affidavits,
commences at the age of twenty-one years. documentary evidence or oral testimonies at the
Emancipation also takes place: The petition shall attach the proposed deed, if any, sound discretion of the court. If testimony is needed,
embodying the transaction, and, if none, shall the court shall specify the witnesses to be heard and
(1) By the marriage of the minor; or describe in detail the said transaction and state the the subject-matter of their testimonies, directing the
reason why the required consent thereto cannot be parties to present said witnesses. (n)
(2) By the recording in the Civil Register of an secured. In any case, the final deed duly executed by
agreement in a public instrument executed by the the parties shall be submitted to and approved by the Art. 247. The judgment of the court shall be
parent exercising parental authority and the minor at court. (n) immediately final and executory. (n)
least eighteen years of age. Such emancipation shall
be irrevocable. (397a, 398a, 400a, 401a) Art. 240. Claims for damages by either spouse, except Art. 248. The petition for judicial authority to
costs of the proceedings, may be litigated only in a administer or encumber specific separate property of
Art. 235. The provisions governing emancipation by separate action. (n) the abandoning spouse and to use the fruits or
recorded agreement shall also apply to an orphan proceeds thereof for the support of the family shall
minor and the person exercising parental authority but Art. 241. Jurisdiction over the petition shall, upon also be governed by these rules. (n)
the agreement must be approved by the court before it proof of notice to the other spouse, be exercised by
is recorded. (n) the proper court authorized to hear family cases, if Chapter 3. Incidents Involving Parental Authority
one exists, or in the regional trial court or its
Art. 236. Emancipation for any cause shall terminate equivalent sitting in the place where either of the Art. 249. Petitions filed under Articles 223, 225 and
parental authority over the person and property of the spouses resides. (n) 235 of this Code involving parental authority shall be
child who shall then be qualified and responsible for verified. (n)
all acts of civil life. (412a) Art. 242. Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall
notify the other spouse, whose consent to the Art. 250. Such petitions shall be verified and filed in
Art. 237. The annulment or declaration of nullity of the transaction is required, of said petition, ordering said the proper court of the place where the child resides.
marriage of a minor or of the recorded agreement spouse to show cause why the petition should not be (n)
mentioned in the foregoing. Articles 234 and 235 shall granted, on or before the date set in said notice for the
revive the parental authority over the minor but shall initial conference. The notice shall be accompanied by Art. 251. Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall
not affect acts and transactions that took place prior to a copy of the petition and shall be served at the last notify the parents or, in their absence or incapacity,
the recording of the final judgment in the Civil known address of the spouse concerned. (n) the individuals, entities or institutions exercising
Register. (n) parental authority over the child. (n)
Art. 243. A preliminary conference shall be conducted
TITLE XI by the judge personally without the parties being Art. 252. The rules in Chapter 2 hereof shall also
SUMMARY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE assisted by counsel. After the initial conference, if the govern summary proceedings under this Chapter
FAMILY LAW court deems it useful, the parties may be assisted by insofar as they are applicable. (n)
counsel at the succeeding conferences and hearings.
Chapter 1. Prefatory Provisions (n) Chapter 4. Other Matters Subject to Summary
Proceedings
Art. 238. Until modified by the Supreme Court, the Art. 244. In case of non-appearance of the spouse
procedural rules provided for in this Title shall apply whose consent is sought, the court shall inquire into Art. 253. The foregoing rules in Chapters 2 and 3
as regards separation in fact between husband and the reasons for his failure to appear, and shall require hereof shall likewise govern summary proceedings
wife, abandonment by one of the other, and incidents such appearance, if possible. (n) filed under Articles 41, 51, 69, 73, 96, 124 and 127,
involving parental authority. (n) insofar as they are applicable. (n)
Art. 245. If, despite all efforts, the attendance of the
Chapter 2. Separation in Fact non-consenting spouse is not secured, the court may TITLE XII
FINAL PROVISIONS

Art. 254. Titles III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, XI, and XV of
Book 1 of Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as
the Civil Code of the Philippines, as amended, and
Articles 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 39, 40, 41, and
42 of Presidential Decree No. 603, otherwise known
as the Child and Youth Welfare Code, as amended,
and all laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof,
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Art. 255. If any provision of this Code is held invalid,

all the other provisions not affected thereby shall
remain valid.

Art. 256. This Code shall have retroactive effect

insofar as it does not prejudice or impair vested or
acquired rights in accordance with the Civil Code or
other laws.

Art. 257. This Code shall take effect one year after the
completion of its publication in a newspaper of general
circulation, as certified by the Executive Secretary,
Office of the President.

Done in the City of Manila, this 6th day of July, in the

year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-seven.