Article Explanation: Articles 143, 144, 145 and 146 of the Family Code

Chapter 6 – Regime of Separation of Property

Art. 143. Should the future spouses agree in the marriage settlements that their property relations during marriage shall be governed by the regime of separation of property, the provisions of this Chapter shall be suppletory. (212a)

Explanation:
The regime of complete separation of property is that matrimonial property regime agreed upon in the marriage settlements by the future spouses whereby each spouse shall own, dispose of, possess, administer, and enjoy his or her separate estate or earnings acquired before and during the marriage without the consent of the other, with each spouse bearing the family expenses proportionally to their earnings and profits of their separate properties.

The advantage of this regime is its simplicity. It does not require a complicated liquidation upon the dissolution of marriage. The disadvantage of the regime is that it is based on distrust. It can result in disputes between the spouses in the sharing of the family expenses.

The regime of complete separation of property is applicable: (a) when the spouses agree upon it in the marriage settlements; and (b) if ordered by the court in proper cases.

The regime is governed: (a) by the provisions in the marriage settlements; and (b) suppletory, by the provisions of this Chapter.

Definition: suppletory = supplementary

Art. 144. Separation of property may refer to present or future property or both. It may be total or partial. In the latter case, the property not agreed upon as separate shall pertain to the absolute community. (213a)

Explanation:
Kinds of separation of property
By Existence: (a) present property; (b) future property; or (c) both present and future property
By Extent: (a) total; or (b) partial
In case of partial separation: the property not agreed upon as separate shall pertain to the absolute community

Art. 145. Each spouse shall own, dispose of, possess, administer and enjoy his or her own separate estate, without need of the consent of the other. To each spouse shall belong all earnings from his or her profession, business or industry and all fruits, natural, industrial or civil, due or received during the marriage from his or her separate property. (214a)

Explanation:
Each spouse shall own, dispose of, possess, administer, and enjoy his or her own separate estate, without the need of the consent of the other.

All earnings from his or her profession, business or industry and all fruits, natural, industrial or civil, due or received during the marriage from his or her separate property shall belong to each spouse.

Art. 146. Both spouses shall bear the family expenses in proportion to their income, or, in case of insufficiency or default thereof, to the current market value of their separate properties.

The liabilities of the spouses to creditors for family expenses shall, however, be solidary. (215a)

Explanation:
The family expenses shall be borne by both spouses: (a) in proportion to their income; or (b) in case of insufficiency or default of said income, to the current market value of their separate properties.

If a spouse has no income but has separate properties, the other spouse who earns an income may advance payment of the family expenses for said spouse subject to reimbursement at the appropriate time.

As to creditors for family expenses, the liability of the spouses shall be solidary. Hence, said creditors can go after each spouse for the full amount of the credit. If one spouse pays for the entire debt, he can secure reimbursement thereof from the other spouse.

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