A marriage void ab initio is treated as non-existent from the moment of celebration . Under the law, it is as if the wedding never took place . Because it is fundamentally flawed, it can not be ratified by cohabitation .
Grounds Under the Family Code
Underage Marriage : Marriages where either party is below 18, even with permission.
Unauthorized Officers: Marriages performed by someone without the legal power to solemnize weddings .
No Marriage License: Marrying without a legal marriage license (unless legally exempted).
Article 36: When a party is mentally unable to comply with essential marital obligations .
Incestuous Marriages : Marriages between direct relatives (e.g., siblings or descendants).
What is a Voidable Marriage?
In contrast, a voidable marriage is initially considered valid and subsisting until it is set aside by a competent court . Unlike null unions, a voidable marriage may be validated if the injured party cohabits with the other after the ground is removed.
Grounds for Annulment
Lack of Parental Consent : If a party is between 18 and 21 and married without parental permission.
Insanity : If either spouse was mentally ill at the time of the wedding .
Fraud : Consent obtained through deceit (e.g., concealing a criminal record ).
Force or Intimidation : If the marriage was forced through violence .
Physical Incapacity : If one party is physically unable to consummate the marriage.
Key Differences: Void vs Voidable
The primary differences lie in the legal status and the prescriptive period for filing.
| Feature | Void Marriage | Voidable Marriage | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Legal Nature | Invalid from start | Initially valid | | Healing | Cannot be cured | Can be validated | | void vs voidable marriage philippines Time Limit | Imprescriptible | Usually 5 years | | Children's Status | Generally illegitimate* | Legitimate |
Note: Under the Family Code, children of marriages declared void due to Psychological Incapacity (Article 36) are considered legitimate.
The Legal Process
To legally end these marriages, you must submit a petition in the Regional Trial Court. For a void marriage, you seek a Declaration of Absolute Nullity . For a voidable marriage, you request an Annulment .
Consulting a qualified attorney in the Philippines is the best step to manage your case is handled correctly.