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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Baguio City, Philippines Attorneys in related practice areas.
Browse our 23 legal questions about Family in Philippines and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Family law concerns the legal issues involving family relationships, including but not limited to marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships, adoption, child abuse, divorce, annulment, child custody and alimony. In Baguio City, these laws are primarily governed by the Philippine legal system, which is a combination of civil law (which is based on the Spanish civil code) and Anglo-American law.
Professional legal assistance can be invaluable and even necessary in certain situations. Misunderstandings of the law and legal procedures may lead to undesirable outcomes in serious matters like divorce, child custody battles, domestic violence cases, adoption procedures, and disputes over property or assets. An experienced Family lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your interests, and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Family laws in the Philippines, Including Baguio City, are substantially guided by the Filipino Family Code and other prevailing laws. Rules on marriage, legal separation, parental authority, adoptive and biological children, and family property are all covered in this code. Notably, divorce is generally not permitted except for Muslim Filipinos, who are governed by the Code of Muslim Personal Laws.
With a few exceptions for Muslim Filipinos and Filipinos married to foreigners, divorce is not generally allowed under Philippine law. Instead, legal separation or annulment might be possible options.
Legal separation allows a couple to live apart but remain legally married. Couples must go through a court procedure to have this declared. It's important to note that remarriage is not allowed in legal separation.
Custody of children below seven years of age is generally awarded to the mother. However, the court has the final decision and always considers the best interest of the child.
Typically, the division of assets in a separation agreement depends on the property regime of the marriage. A lawyer can better explain and guide you through the process.
Yes, but the adoption process in the Philippines can be complex and requires professional assistance. The process includes ensuring eligibility, attending an adoption seminar, submitting an application, undergoing home study, matching process, supervisory trial custody, and finalizing the adoption.
For further information, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the official website of Baguio City are useful resources. Legal assistance can be sought from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
If you require legal assistance, the next steps would be to gather all necessary documents and relevant information, seek recommendations for a reputable family lawyer, schedule a consultation, and discuss your situation and legal options.
