A 43-year-old single man named Amil finds himself navigating complex legal waters after rekindling a romance with his high school sweetheart during a reunion last year. The situation has raised important questions about Philippine family law and financial responsibilities.
The Rekindled Romance
Amil attended his high school reunion where he encountered his former girlfriend, who is currently married with three children. Her marriage had ended five years earlier when her husband left her for another woman. The ex-husband now has an additional child with his current partner.
The reunion sparked old feelings between Amil and his former girlfriend, leading to their relationship resuming. As consenting adults, their intimate relationship resulted in pregnancy, with the woman now four months pregnant.
Legal Concerns and Family Worries
Amil has been transparent about the situation, facing the woman's family directly to acknowledge his responsibilities. He expressed his willingness to cover the expenses for filing an annulment of her previous marriage.
However, the family expressed significant concerns about potential legal repercussions. They worry the ex-husband might file a lawsuit and possibly stop providing financial support for his three minor children from the marriage.
Expert Legal Perspective
According to legal advice provided by Noy Kulas, the ex-husband does have the right to file a lawsuit, but the woman also maintains the same right against her husband. Both parties share equal fault in the dissolution of their marriage under Philippine law.
Importantly, the expert clarified that regardless of marital circumstances, a father cannot escape his financial obligations toward his children. The responsibility of fatherhood continues until death, and the ex-husband remains legally required to support his minor children. Failure to provide this support could result in legal action against him.
The annulment process, while supported by Amil, is described as neither simple nor quick. It requires considerable patience as the legal proceedings can be complicated and time-consuming.
Amil has been advised to prepare thoroughly for the challenges ahead and to fully embrace his forthcoming fatherhood responsibilities as the pregnancy progresses.
