Amount of Successional Rights (2004)
Mr. XT and Mrs. YT have been married for 20 years. Suppose the wife, YT, died childless, survived only by her husband, XT. What would be the share of XT from her estate as inheritance? Why? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Under the Civil Code, the widow or widower is a legal and compulsory heir of the deceased spouse. If the widow is the only surviving heir, there being no legitimate ascendants, descendants, brothers, and sisters, nephews and nieces, she gets the entire estate.
Barrier between illegitimate & legitimate relatives (1993)
A is the acknowledged natural child of B who died when A was already 22 years old. When B’s full blood brother, C, died he (C) was survived by his widow and four children of his other brother D. Claiming that he is entitled to inherit from his father’s brother C. A brought suit to obtain his share in the estate of C.
Will his action prosper?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
No, the action of A will not prosper. On the premise that B, C and D are legitimate brothers, as an illegitimate child of B, A cannot inherit in intestacy from C who is a legitimate brother of B. Only the wife of C in her own right and the
legitimate relatives of C (i.e. the children of D as C’s legitimate nephews inheriting as collateral relatives) can inherit in intestacy. (Arts. 992, 1001, 1OO5 and 975, Civil Code)
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
The action of A will not prosper. Being an illegitimate, he is barred by Article 992 of the Civil Code from inheriting ab intestato from the legitimate relatives of his father.
Barrier between illegitimate & legitimate relatives (1996)
Cristina the illegitimate daughter of Jose and Maria, died intestate, without any descendant or ascendant. Her valuable estate is being claimed by Ana, the legitimate daughter of Jose, and Eduardo, the legitimate son of Maria.
Is either, both, or neither of them entitled to inherit? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Neither Ana nor Eduardo is entitled to inherit of ab intestato from Cristina. Both are legitimate relatives of Cristina’s illegitimate parents and therefore they fall under the prohibition prescribed by Art. 992, NCC (Manuel v. Ferrer, 242 SCRA 477; Diaz v. Court of Appeals, 182 SCRA 427).
Collation (1993)
Joaquin Reyes bought from Julio Cruz a residential lot of 300 square meters in Quezon City for which Joaquin paid Julio the amount of P300,000.00, When the deed was about to be prepared Joaquin told Julio that it be drawn in the name of Joaquina Roxas, his acknowledged natural child. Thus, the deed was so prepared and executed by Julio. Joaquina then built a house on the lot where she, her husband and children resided. Upon Joaquin’s death, his legitimate children sought to recover possession and ownership of the lot, claiming that Joaquina Roxas was but a trustee of their father.
Will the action against Joaquina Roxas prosper?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Yes, because there is a presumed donation in favor of Joaquina under Art. 1448 of the Civil Code (Delos Santos v. Reyes, 27 January 1992, 206 SCRA 437). However, the donation should be collated to the hereditary estate and the legitime of the other heirs should be preserved.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
Yes, the action against Joaquina Roxas will prosper, but only to the extent of the aliquot hereditary rights of the legitimate children as heirs. Joaquina will be entitled to retain her own share as an illegitimate child, (Arts. 1440 and 1453. Civil Code; Art. 176, F. C.)
Disinheritance vs.Preterition (1993)
Maria, to spite her husband Jorge, whom she suspected was having an affair with another woman, executed a will, unknown to him, bequeathing all the properties she inherited from her parents, to her sister Miguela. Upon her death, the will was presented for probate. Jorge opposed probate of the will on the ground that the will was executed by his wife without his knowledge, much less consent, and that it deprived him of his legitime. After all, he had given her no cause for disinheritance, added Jorge in his opposition.
How will you rule on Jorge’s opposition to the probate of Maria’s will. If you were the Judge?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
As Judge, I shall rule as follows: Jorge’s opposition should be sustained in part and denied in part. Jorge’s omission as spouse of Maria is not preterition of a compulsory heir in the direct line. Hence, Art. 854 of the Civil Code does not apply, and the institution of Miguela as heir is valid, but only to the extent of the free portion of one-half. Jorge is still entitled to one-half of the estate as his legitime (Art. 1001, Civil Code).
ALTERNATIVE ANSWERS:
a) As Judge, I shall rule as follows: Jorge’s opposition should be sustained in part and denied in part. This is a case of ineffective disinheritance under Art, 918 of the Civil Code, because the omission of the compulsory heir Jorge by Maria was intentional. Consequently, the institution of Miguela as heir is void only insofar as the legitime of Jorge is prejudiced. Accordingly, Jorge is entitled to his legitime of one-half of the estate, and Miguela gets the other half.
b) As Judge, I shall rule as follows: Jorge’s opposition should be sustained. This is a case of preterition under Article 854 Civil Code, the result of the omission of Jorge as compulsory heir having the same right equivalent to a legitimate child “in the direct line” is that total intestacy will arise, and Jorge will inherit the entire estate.
c) As Judge, I shall rule as follows: the opposition should be denied since it is predicated upon causes not recognized by law as grounds for disallowance of a wll, to wit:
1. that the will was made without his knowledge;
2. that the will was made without his consent; and
3. that it has the effect of depriving him of his legitime, which is a ground that goes into the intrinsic validity of the will and need not be resolved during the probate proceedings. However, the opposition may be entertained for, the purpose of securing to the husband his right to the legitime on the theory that the will constitutes an ineffective disinheritance under Art. 918 of the Civil Code,
d) As Judge, I shall rule as follows: Jorge is entitled to receive his legitime from the estate of his wife. He was not disinherited in the will even assuming that he gave ground for disinheritance, hence, he is still entitled to his legitime. Jorge, however, cannot receive anything from the free portion. He cannot claim preterition as he is not a compulsory heir in the direct line. There being no preterition, the institution of the sister was valid and the only right of Jorge is to claim his legitime.
Disinheritance; Ineffective (1999)
Mr. Palma, widower, has three daughters D, D-l and D-2. He executes a Will disinheriting D because she married a man he did not like, and instituting daughters D-1 and D-2 as his heirs to his entire estate of P 1,000,000.00, Upon Mr, Palma’s death, how should his estate be divided? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
This is a case of ineffective disinheritance because marrying a man that the father did not approve of is not a ground for disinheriting D. Therefore, the institution of D-l and D-2 shall be annulled insofar as it prejudices the legitime of D, and the institution of D-l and D-2 shall only apply on the free portion in the amount of P500,000.00. Therefore, D, D-l and D-2 will get their legitimes of P500.000.00 divided into three equal parts and D-l and D-2 will get a reduced testamentary disposition of P250,000.00 each. Hence, the shares will be:
D P166,666.66
D-l P166,666.66 + P250.000.00
D-2 P166,666.66 + P250,000.00
Disinheritance; Ineffective; Preterition (2000)
In his last will and testament, Lamberto 1) disinherits his daughter Wilma because “she is disrespectful towards me and raises her voice talking to me”, 2) omits entirely his spouse Elvira, 3) leaves a legacy of P100,000.00 to his mistress Rosa and P50,000.00 to his driver Ernie and 4) institutes his son Baldo as his sole heir. How will you distribute his estate of P1,000,000.00?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The disinheritance of Wilma was ineffective because the ground relied upon by the testator does not constitute maltreatment under Article 919(6) of the New Civil Code. Hence, the testamentary provisions in the will shall be annulled but only to the extent that her legitime was impaired.
The total omission of Elvira does not constitute preterition because she is not a compulsory heir in the direct line. Only compulsory heirs in the direct line may be the subject of preterition. Not having been preterited, she will be entitled only to her legitime.
The legacy in favor of Rosa is void under Article 1028 for being in consideration of her adulterous relation with the testator. She is, therefore, disqualified to receive the legacy of 100,000 pesos. The legacy of 50,000 pesos in favor of Ernie is not inofficious not having exceeded the free portion. Hence, he shall be entitled to receive it.
The institution of Baldo, which applies only to the free portion, shall be respected. In sum, the estate of Lamberto will be distributed as follows:
| Baldo—————– | 450,000 |
| Wilma————— | 250,000 |
| Elvira—————– | 250,000 |
| Ernie—————– | 50,000 |
| 1,000,000 |
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
The disinheritance of Wilma was effective because disrespect of, and raising of voice to, her father constitute maltreatment under Article 919(6) of the New Civil Code. She is, therefore, not entitled to inherit anything. Her inheritance will go to the other legal heirs. The total omission of Elvira is not preterition because she is not a compulsory heir in the direct line. She will receive only her legitime. The legacy in favor of Rosa is void under Article
1028 for being in consideration of her adulterous relation with the testator. She is, therefore, disqualified to receive the legacy. Ernie will receive the legacy in his favor because it is not inofficious. The institution of Baldo, which applies only to the free portion, will be respected. In sum, the estate of Lamberto shall be distributed as follows:
Heir Legitime Legacy Institution TOTAL
| Baldo | 500,000 | 200.000 | 700,000 | |
| Elvira | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||
| Ernie | 50,000 | 50,000 | ||
| TOTAL | 750,000 | 50,000 | 200,000 | 1,000,000 |
ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
Same answer as the first Alternative Answer except as to distribution. Justice Jurado solved this problem differently. In his opinion, the legitime of the heir who was disinherited is distributed among the other compulsory heirs in proportion to their respective legitimes, while his share in the intestate portion. If any, is distributed among the other legal heirs by accretion under Article 1018 of the NCC in proportion to their respective intestate shares. In sum the distribution shall be as follows:
Heir Legitime Distributionof Wilma’s
Legitime Legacy Institution TOTAL
|
Heirs; Intestate Heirs; Reserva Troncal (1995)
Isidro and Irma, Filipinos, both 18 years of age, were passengers of Flight No. 317 of Oriental Airlines. The plane they boarded was of Philippine registry. While en route from Manila to Greece some passengers hijacked the plane, held the chief pilot hostage at the cockpit and ordered him to fly instead to Libya. During the hijacking Isidro suffered a heart attack and was on the verge of death. Since Irma was already eight months pregnant by Isidro, she pleaded to the hijackers to allow the assistant pilot to solemnize her marriage with Isidro. Soon after the marriage, Isidro expired. As the plane landed in Libya Irma gave birth. However, the baby died a few minutes after complete delivery.
Back in the Philippines Irma Immediately filed a claim for inheritance. The parents of Isidro opposed her claim contending that the marriage between her and Isidro was void ab initio on the following grounds: (a) they had not given their consent to the marriage of their son; (b) there was no marriage license; (c) the solemnizing officer had no authority to perform the marriage; and, (d) the solemnizing officer did not file an affidavit of marriage with the proper civil registrar.
2. Does Irma have any successional rights at all? Discuss fully.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
2. Irma succeeded to the estate of Isidro as his surviving spouse to the estate of her legitimate child. When Isidro died, he was succeeded by his surviving wife Irma, and his legitimate unborn child. They divided the estate equally between them, the child excluding the parents of Isidro. An unborn child is considered born for all purposes favorable to it provided it is born later. The child was considered born because, having an intra-uterine life of more than seven months, it lived for a few minutes after its complete delivery. It was legitimate because it was born within the valid marriage of the parents. Succession is favorable to it. When the child died, Irma inherited the share of the child. However, the share of the child in the hands of Irma is subject to reserva troncal for the benefit of the relatives of the child within the third degree of consanguinity and who belong to the line of Isidro.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
If the marriage is void. Irma has no successional rights with respect to Isidro but she would have successional rights with respect to the child.
Heirs; Intestate Heirs; Shares (2003)
Luis was survived by two legitimate children, two illegitimate children, his parents, and two brothers. He left an estate of P1 million. Luis died intestate. Who are his intestate heirs, and how much is the share of each in his estate?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The intestate heirs are the two (2) legitimate children and the two (2) illegitimate children. In intestacy the estate of the decedent is divided among the legitimate and illegitimate children such that the share of each illegitimate child is one – half the share of each legitimate child. Their share are :
For each legitimate child – P333,333.33
For each illegitimate child – P166,666.66
(Article 983, New Civil Code; Article 176, Family Code)
Intestate Succession (1992)
F had three (3) legitimate children: A, B, and C. B has one (1) legitimate child X. C has two (2) legitimate children: Y and Z.
F and A rode together in a car and perished together at the same time in a vehicular accident, F and A died, each of them leaving substantial estates in intestacy.
a) Who are the intestate heirs of F? What are their respective fractional shares?
b) Who are the intestate heirs of A? What are their respective fractional shares?
c) If B and C both predeceased F, who are F’s intestate heirs? What are their respective fractional shares? Do they inherit in their own right or by representation? Explain your answer.
d) If B and C both repudiated their shares in the estate of F who are F’s intestate heirs? What are their respective fractional shares? Do they inherit in their own right or by representation? Explain your answer.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(a) B = 1/2
(b) B = 1/2 Z = 1/4 by representation of C C= 1/2
Article 982 of the Civil Code provides that grandchildren inherit by right of representation.
(c) X = 1/2 by representation of B C=l/2 Y = 1/4 by representation of C
(d) X – 1/3 in his own right Y- 1/3 in his own right 2 – 1/3 in his own right
Article 977 of the Civil Code provides that heirs who repudiate their share cannot be represented.
Intestate Succession (1997)
“T” died intestate on 1 September 1997. He was survived by M (his mother), W (his widow), A and B (his legitimate children), C (his grandson, being the legitimate son of B), D (his other grandson, being the son of E who was a legitimate son of, and who predeceased, “T”), and F (his grandson, being the son of G, a legitimate son who repudiated the inheritance from “T”). His distributable net estate is P120.000.00.
How should this amount be shared in intestacy among the surviving heirs?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The legal heirs are A, B, D, and W. C is excluded by B who is still alive. D inherits in representation of E who predeceased. F is excluded because of the repudiation of G, the predecessor. M is excluded by the legitimate children of T. The answer may be premised on two theories: the Theory of Exclusion and the Theory of Concurrence.
Under the Theory of Exclusion the legitimes of the heirs are accorded them and the free portion will be given exclusively to the legitimate descendants. Hence under the Exclusion Theory:
A will get P20.000.00. and P 13.333.33 (1/3 of the free portion) B will get P 20,000.00. and P13. 333.33 (1/3 of the free portion) D will get P20.000.00. and P13. 333.33 (1/3 of the free portion) W, the widow is limited to the legitime of P20.000.00
Under the Theory of Concurrence. In addition to their legitimes, the heirs of A, B, D and W will be given equal shares in the free portions:
A: P20.000.00 plus P10.000.00 (1 /4 of the free portion)
B: P20,000.00 plus P10.000.00 (l/4 of the free portlon) C: P20,000.00 plus P10.000.00 (1/4 of the free portion) W: P20,000.00 plus P10,000.00 (l/4 of the free portion) Alternative Answer: Shares in Intestacy
T – decedent Estate: P120.000.00
Survived by:
M – Mother……………………….None
W – Widow………………………..P 30,000.00
A – Son……………………………P 30,000.00
B – Son……………………………P30.000.00
C – Grandson (son of B)………….None
D – Grandson (son of E who predeceased T)…………….P 30,000.00
F – Grandson (son of G who repudiated the Inheritance
from “T”)…………………..None
Explanation:
a) The mother (M) cannot inherit from T because under Art. 985 the ascendants shall inherit in default of legitimate children and descendants of the deceased.
b) The widow’s share is P30.000.00 because under Art. 996 it states that if the widow or widower and legitimate children or descendants are left, the surviving spouse has in the succession the same share as that of each of the children,
c) C has no share because his father is still alive hence succession by representation shall not apply (Art. 975).
d) D inherits P30.000 which is the share of his father E who predeceased T by virtue of Art. 981 on the right of representation.
e) F has no share because his father G repudiated the inheritance. Under Article 977 heirs who repudiate their share may not be represented.
Intestate Succession (1998)
Enrique died, leaving a net hereditary estate of P1.2 million. He is survived by his widow, three legitimate children, two legitimate grandchildren sired by a legitimate child who predeceased him, and two recognized illegitimate children. Distribute the estate in intestacy.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Under the theory of Concurrence, the shares are as follows: A (legitimate child) = P200,000
B (legitimate child) = P200,000
C (legitimate child) = P200,000
D (legitimate child) = O (predeceased]
E (legitimate child of D) = P100,000 – by right of representation
F (legitimate child of D) = P100,000 – by right of representation
G (illegitimate child) = P100,000 – 1/2 share of the legitimate child H (illegitimate child) = P100,000 – 1/2 share of the legitimate child W (Widow) = P200.000 – same share as legitimate child
ANOTHER ANSWER:
Under the theory of Exclusion the free portion (P300,000) is distributed only among the legitimate children and is given to them in addition to their legitime. All other Intestate heirs are entitled only to their respective legitimes. The distribution is as follows:
Legitime Free Portion Total
A [legitimate child) P150.000 + P 75,000 – P225.000
B {legitimate child) P150.000 + P150.000 – P225.000
C (legitimate child) P150.000 + P 75.000 – P225.000
D (legitimate child) 0 0 0
E (legitimate child of D) P 75,000 + P35.500 – P112,500
F (legitimate child of D) P 75.000 + P 37.500 – P112,500
G (illegitimate child) P 75.000 0 -P 75,500
H (illegitimate child) P 75.000 0 – P 75,500
W (Widow) P150,000 0 -P150.000
Intestate Succession (1998)
Tessie died survived by her husband Mario, and two nieces, Michelle and Jorelle, who are the legitimate children of an elder sister who had predeceased her. The only property she left behind was a house and lot worth two million pesos, which Tessie and her husband had acquired with the use of Mario’s savings from his income as a doctor. How much of the property or its value, if any, may Michelle and Jorelle claim as their hereditary shares?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Article 1001 of the Civil Code provides, “Should brothers and sisters or their children survive with the widow or widower, the latter shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance and the brothers and sisters or their children to the other half.”
Tessie’s gross estate consists of a house and lot acquired during her marriage, making it part of the community property. Thus, one-half of the said property would have to be set aside as Mario’s conjugal share from the community property. The other half, amounting to one million pesos, is her conjugal share (net estate), and should be distributed to her intestate heirs. Applying the above provision of law, Michelle and Jorelle, Tessie’s nieces, are entitled to one-half of her conjugal share worth one million pesos, or 500,000 pesos, while the other one-half amounting to P500,000 will go to Mario, Tessie’s surviving spouse. Michelle and Jorelle are then entitled to P250,000 pesos each as their hereditary share.
Intestate Succession (1999)
Mr. and Mrs. Cruz, who are childless, met with a serious motor vehicle accident with Mr. Cruz at the wheel and Mrs. Cruz seated beside him, resulting in the instant death of Mr. Cruz. Mrs. Cruz was still alive when help came but she also died on the way to the hospital. The couple acquired properties worth One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos during their marriage, which are being claimed by the parents of both spouses in equal shares. Is the claim of both sets of parents valid and why? (3%)
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(a) No, the claim of both parents is not valid. When Mr. Cruz died, he was succeeded by his wife and his parents as his intestate heirs who will share his estate equally. His estate was 0.5 Million pesos which is his half share in the absolute community amounting to 1 Million Pesos. His wife, will, therefore, inherit O.25 Million Pesos and his parents will inherit 0.25 Million Pesos.
When Mrs. Cruz died, she was succeeded by her parents as her intestate heirs. They will inherit all of her estate consisting of her 0.5 Million half share in the absolute community and her 0.25 Million inheritance from her husband, or a total of 0.750 Million Pesos.
In sum, the parents of Mr. Cruz will inherit 250,000 Pesos while the parents of Mrs. Cruz will inherit 750,000 Pesos.
Intestate Succession (2000)
Eugenio died without issue, leaving several parcels of land in Bataan. He was survived by Antonio, his legitimate brother; Martina, the only daughter of his predeceased sister Mercedes; and five legitimate children of Joaquin, another predeceased brother. Shortly after Eugenio’s death, Antonio also died, leaving three legitimate children. Subsequently, Martina, the children of Joaquin and the children of Antonio executed an extrajudicial settlement of the estate of Eugenio, dividing it among themselves. The succeeding year, a petition to annul the extrajudicial settlement was filed by Antero, an illegitimate son of Antonio, who claims he is entitled to share in the estate of Eugenio. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss on the ground that Antero is barred by Article 992 of the Civil Code from inheriting from the legitimate brother of his father. How will you resolve the motion?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The motion to dismiss should be granted. Article 992 does not apply. Antero is not claiming any inheritance from Eugenio. He is claiming his share in the inheritance of his father consisting of his father’s share in the inheritance of Eugenio (Dela Merced v. Dela Merced, G.R. No. 126707, 25 February 1999).
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
It depends. If Antero was not acknowledged by Antonio, the motion to dismiss should be granted because Antero is not a legal heir of Antonio. If Antero was acknowledged, the motion should be denied because Article 992 is not applicable. This is because Antero is claiming his inheritance from his illegitimate father, not from Eugenio.
Intestate Succession; Reserva Troncal (1999)
Mr. Luna died, leaving an estate of Ten Million (P10,000,000.00) Pesos. His widow gave birth to a child four months after Mr. Luna’s death, but the child died five hours after birth. Two days after the child’s death, the widow of Mr. Luna also died because she had suffered from difficult childbirth. The estate of Mr. Luna is now being claimed by his parents, and the parents of his widow. Who is entitled to Mr. Luna’a estate and why?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Half of the estate of Mr. Luna will go to the parents of Mrs. Luna as their inheritance from Mrs. Luna, while the other half will be inherited by the parents of Mr. Luna as the reservatarios of the reserved property inherited by Mrs. Luna from her child.
When Mr. Luna died, his heirs were his wife and the unborn child. The unborn child inherited because the inheritance was favorable to it and it was born alive later though it lived only for five hours. Mrs. Luna inherited half of the 10 Million estate while the unborn child inherited the other half. When the child died, it was survived by its mother, Mrs. Luna. As the only heir, Mrs. Luna inherited, by operation of law, the estate of the child consisting of its 5 Million inheritance from Mr. Luna. In the hands of Mrs.
Luna, what she inherited from her child was subject to reserva troncal for the benefit of the relatives of the child within the third degree of consanguinity and who belong to the family of Mr. Luna, the line where the property came from.
When Mrs. Luna died, she was survived by her parents as her only heirs. Her parents will inherit her estate consisting of the 5 Million she inherited from Mr. Luna. The other 5 Million she inherited from her child will be delivered to the parents of Mr. Luna as beneficiaries of the reserved property.
In sum, 5 Million Pesos of Mr. Luna’s estate will go to the parents of Mrs. Luna, while the other 5 Million Pesos will go to the parents of Mr. Luna as reservatarios.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
If the child had an intra-uterine life of not less than 7 months, it inherited from the father. In which case, the estate of 10M will be divided equally between the child and the widow as legal heirs. Upon the death of the child, its share of 5M shall go by operation of law to the mother, which shall be subject to reserva troncal. Under Art. 891, the reserva is in favor of relatives belonging to the paternal line and who are within 3 degrees from the child. The parents of Mr, Luna are entitled to the reserved portion which is 5M as they are 2 degrees related from child. The 5M inherited by Mrs. Luna from Mr. Luna will be inherited from her by her parents.
However, if the child had intra-uterine life of less than 7 months, half of the estate of Mr. Luna, or 5M, will be inherited by the widow (Mrs. Luna), while the other half, or 5M, will be inherited by the parents of Mr. Luna. Upon the death of Mrs. Luna, her estate of 5M will be inherited by her own parents.
Legitime (1997)
“X”, the decedent, was survived by W (his widow). A (his son), B (a granddaughter, being the daughter of A) and C and D (the two acknowledged illegitimate children of the decedent). “X” died this year (1997) leaving a net estate of P180,000.00. All were willing to succeed, except A who repudiated the inheritance from his father, and they seek your legal advice on how much each can expect to receive as their respective shares in the distribution of the estate. Give your answer.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The heirs are B, W, C and D. A inherits nothing because of his renunciation. B inherits a legitime of P90.000.00 as the nearest and only legitimate descendant, inheriting in his own right not by representation because of A’s renunciation. W gets a legitime equivalent to one-half (1 / 2) that of B amounting to P45.000. C and D each gets a legitime equivalent to one-half (1/2) that of B amounting to P45.000.00 each. But since the total exceeds the entire estate, their legitimes would have to be reduced corresponding to P22.500.00 each (Art. 895. CC). The total of all of these amounts to P180.000.00.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
INTESTATE SUCCESSION
ESTATE: P180,000.00
W- (widow gets 1/2 share) P90.000.00 (Art. 998)
A- (son who repudiated his inheritance) None ( Art. 977)
B – (Granddaughter) None
C – (Acknowledged illegitimate child) P45.000.00 (Art.998)
D – (Acknowledged illegitimate child) P45,000.00 (Art. 998)
The acknowledged illegitimate child gets 1/2 of the share of each legitimate child.
Legitime; Compulsory Heirs (2003)
Luis was survived by two legitimate children, two illegitimate children, his parents, and two brothers. He left an estate of P1 million. Who are the compulsory heirs of Luis, how much is the legitime of each, and how much is the free portion of his estate, if any?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The compulsory heirs are the two legitimate children and the two illegitimate children. The parents are excluded by the legitimate children, while the brothers are not compulsory heirs at all.
Their respective legitimate are:
a) The legitime of the two (2) legitimate children is one half (1/2) of the estate (P500,000.00) to be divided between them equally, or P250,000.00 each.
b) The legitimate of each illegitimate child is one-half (1/2) the legitime of each legitimate child or P125,000.00.
c) Since the total legitime of the compulsory heirs is P750,000.00, the balance of P250,000.00 is the free portion.
Legitime; Compulsory Heirs vs. Secondary Compulsory Heirs (2005)
Emil, the testator, has three legitimate children, Tom, Henry and Warlito; a wife named Adette; parents named Pepe and Pilar; an illegitimate child, Ramon; brother, Mark; and a sister, Nanette. Since his wife Adette is well-off, he wants to leave to his illegitimate child as much of his estate as he can legally do. His estate has an aggregate net amount of Pl,200,000.00, and all the above-named relatives are still living. Emil now comes to you for advice in making a will. How will you distribute his estate according to his wishes without violating the law on testamentary succession?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
P600,000.00 — legitime to be divided equally between Tom, Henry and Warlito as the legitimate children. Each will be entitled to P200,000.00. (Art. 888, Civil Code)
P100,000.00 — share of Ramon the illegitimate child. Equivalent to 1/2 of the share of each legitimate child. (Art. 176, Family Code)
P200,000.00 — Adette the wife. Her share is equivalent to the share of one legitimate child. (Art. 892, par. 2, Civil Code)
Pepe and Pilar, the parents are only secondary compulsory heirs and they cannot inherit if the primary compulsory heirs (legitimate children) are alive. (Art. 887, par. 2, Civil Code)
Brother Mark and sister Nanette are not compulsory heirs since they are not included in the enumeration under Article 887 of the Civil Code.
The remaining balance of P300,000.00 is the free portion which can be given to the illegitimate child Ramon as an instituted heir. (Art. 914, Civil Code) If so given by the decedent, Ramon would receive a total of P400,000.00.
Preterition (2001)
Because her eldest son Juan had been pestering her for capital to start a business, Josefa gave him P100,000. Five years later, Josefa died, leaving a last will and testament in which she instituted only her four younger children as her sole heirs. At the time of her death, her only properly left was P900,000.00 in a bank. Juan opposed the will on the ground of preterition. How should Josefa’s estate be divided among her heirs? State briefly the reason(s) for your answer.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
There was no preterition of the oldest son because the testatrix donated 100,000 pesos to him. This donation is considered an advance on the son’s inheritance. There being no preterition, the institutions in the will shall be respected but the legitime of the oldest son has to be completed if he received less.
After collating the donation of P100.000 to the remaining property of P900,000, the estate of the testatrix is P1,000,000. Of this amount, one-half or P500,000, is the legitime of the legitimate children and it follows that the legitime of one legitimate child is P100,000. The legitime, therefore, of the oldest son is P100,000. However, since the donation given him was P100,000, he has already received in full his legitime and he will not receive anything anymore from the decedent. The remaining P900,000, therefore, shall go to the four younger children by institution in the will, to be divided equally among them. Each will receive P225,000.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
Assuming that the donation is valid as to form and substance, Juan cannot invoke preterition because he actually had received a donation inter vivos from the testatrix (III Tolentino 188,1992 ed.). He would only have a right to a completion of his legitime under Art. 906 of the Civil Code. The estate should be divided equally among the five children who will each receive P225,000.00 because the total hereditary estate, after collating the donation to Juan (Art. 1061, CC), would be P1 million. In the actual distribution of the net estate, Juan gets nothing while his siblings will get P225,000.00 each.
Preterition; Compulsory Heir (1999)
(a) Mr, Cruz, widower, has three legitimate children, A, B and C. He executed a Will instituting as his heirs to his estate of One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos his two children A and B, and his friend F. Upon his death, how should Mr. Cruz’s estate be divided? Explain.
(b) In the preceding question, suppose Mr. Cruz instituted his two children A and B as his heirs in his Will, but gave a legacy of P 100,000.00 to his friend F. How should the estate of Mr, Cruz be divided upon his death? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(a) Assuming that the institution of A, B and F were to the entire estate, there was preterition of C since C is a compulsory heir in the direct line. The preterition will result in the total annulment of the institution of heirs. Therefore, the institution of A, B and F will be set aside and Mr. Cuz’s estate will be divided, as in intestacy, equally among A, B and C as follows: A – P333,333.33; B – P333.333.33; and C – P333,333.33.
(b) On the same assumption as letter (a), there was preterition of C. Therefore, the institution of A and B is annulled but the legacy of P100.000.00 to F shall be respected for not being inofficious. Therefore, the remainder of P900.000.00 will be divided equally among A, B and C.
Proceedings; Intestate Proceedings; Jurisdiction (2004)
In his lifetime, a Pakistani citizen, ADIL, married three times under Pakistani law. When he died an old widower, he left behind six children, two sisters, three homes, and an estate worth at least 30 million pesos in the Philippines. He was born in Lahore but last resided in Cebu City, where he had a mansion and where two of his youngest children now live and work. Two of his oldest children are farmers in Sulu, while the two middle-aged children are employees in Zamboanga City. Finding that the deceased left no will, the youngest son wanted to file intestate proceedings before the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City. Two other siblings objected, arguing that it should be in Jolo before a Shari’a court since his lands are in Sulu. But Adil’s sisters in Pakistan want the proceedings held in Lahore before a Pakistani court.
Which court has jurisdiction and is the proper venue for the intestate proceedings? The law of which country shall govern succession to his estate?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
In so far as the properties of the decedent located in the Philippines are concerned, they are governed by Philippine law (Article 16, Civil Code). Under Philippine law, the proper venue for the settlement of the estate is the domicile of the decedent at the time of his death. Since the decedent last resided in Cebu City, that is the proper venue for the intestate settlement of his estate.
However, the successional rights to the estate of ADIL are governed by Pakistani law, his national law, under Article 16 of the Civil Code.
Succession; Death; Presumptive Legitime (1991)
a) For purposes of succession, when is death deemed to occur or take place?
b) May succession be conferred by contracts or acts inter vivos? Illustrate.
c) Is there any law which allows the delivery to compulsory heirs of their presumptive legitimes during the lifetime of their parents? If so, in what instances?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
A. Death as a fact is deemed to occur when it actually takes place. Death is presumed to take place in the circumstances under Arts. 390-391 of the Civil Code. The time of death is presumed to be at the expiration of the 10- year period as prescribed by Article 390 and at the moment of disappearance under Article 391.
B. Under Art. 84 of the Family Code amending Art 130 of the Civil Code, contractual succession is no longer possible since the law now requires that donations of future property be governed by the provisions on the testamentary succession and formalities of wills.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
B. In the case of Coronado vs. CA (l91 SCRA 81),it was ruled that no property passes under a will without its being probated, but may under Article 1058 of the Civil Code of 1898, be sustained as a partition by an act inter vivos (Many-Oy vs. CA 144 SCRA 33).
And in the case of Chavez vs. IAC 1191 SCRA 211), it was ruled that while the law prohibits contracts upon future inheritance, the partition by the parent, as provided in Art. 1080 is a case expressly authorized by law. A person has two options in making a partition of his estate: either by an act inter vivos or by will. If the partition is by will, it is imperative that such partition must be executed in accordance with the provisions of the law on wills; if by an act inter vivos, such partition may even be oral or written, and need not be in the form of a will, provided the legitime is not prejudiced.
“Where several sisters execute deeds of sale over their 1 /6 undivided share of the paraphernal property of their mother, in favor of another sister, with their mother not only giving her authority thereto but even signing said deeds, there is a valid partition inter vivos between the mother and her children which cannot be revoked by the mother. Said deeds of sale are not contracts entered into with respect to future inheritance.
“It would be unjust for the mother to revoke the sales to a son and to execute a simulated sale in favor of a daughter who already benefited by the partition.”
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
C. Yes, under Arts. 51 and 52 of the New Family Code. In case of legal separation, annulment of marriage, declaration of nullity of marriage and the automatic termination of a subsequent marriage by the reappearance of the absent spouse, the common or community property of the spouses shall be dissolved and liquidated.
Art, 51. In said partition, the value of the presumptive legitimes of all common children, computed as of the date of the final judgment of the trial court, shall be delivered in cash, property or sound securities, unless the parties, by mutual agreement, judicially approved, had already provided for such matters.
The children of their guardian, or the trustee of their property, may ask for the enforcement of the judgment.
The delivery of the presumptive legitimes herein prescribed shall in no way prejudice the ultimate successional rights of the children accruing upon the death of either or both of the parents; but the value of the properties already received under the decree of annulment or absolute nullity shall be considered as advances on their legitime.
Art. 52. The judgment of annulment or of absolute nullity of the marriage, the partition and distribution of the properties of the spouses, and the delivery of the children’s presumptive legitimes shall be recorded in the appropriate civil registry and registries of property; otherwise, the same shall not affect third persons.
Wills; Codicil; Institution of Heirs; Substitution of Heirs (2002)
By virtue of a Codicil appended to his will, Theodore devised to Divino a tract of sugar land, with the obligation on the part of Divino or his heirs to deliver to Betina a specified volume of sugar per harvest during Betina’s lifetime. It is also stated in the Codicil that in the event the obligation is not fulfilled, Betina should immediately seize the property from Divino or latter’s heirs and turn it over to Theodore’s compulsory heirs. Divino failed to fulfill the obligation under the Codicil. Betina brings suit against Divino for the reversion of the tract of land.
a) Distinguish between modal institution and substation of heirs.
b) Distinguish between simple and fideicommissary substitution of heirs.
c) Does Betina have a cause of action against Divino? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
A. A MODAL INSTITUTION is the institution of an heir made for a certain purpose or cause (Arts. 871 and 882, NCC). SUBSTITUTION is the appointment of another heir so that he may enter into the inheritance in default of the heir originality instituted. (Art. 857, NCC).
B. In a SIMPLE SUBSTITUTION of heirs, the testator designates one or more persons to substitute the heirs instituted in case such heir or heirs should die before him, or should not wish or should be incapacitated to accept the inheritance. In a FIDEICOMMISSARY SUBSTITUTION, the testator institutes a first heir and charges him to preserve and transmit the whole or part of the inheritance to a second heir. In a simple substitution, only one heir inherits. In a fideicommissary substitution, both the first and second heirs inherit. (Art. 859 and 869, NCC)
C. Betina has a cause of action against Divino. This is a case of a testamentary disposition subject to a mode and the will itself provides for the consequence if the mode is not complied with. To enforce the mode, the will itself gives Betina the right to compel the return of the property to the heirs of Theodore. (Rabadilla v. Conscoluella, 334 SCRA 522 [2000] G.R. No. 113725, 29 June 2000).
Wills; Formalities (1990)
(1) If a will is executed by a testator who is a Filipino citizen, what law will govern if the will is executed in the Philippines? What law will govern if the will is executed in another country? Explain your answers.
(2) If a will is executed by a foreigner, for instance, a Japanese, residing in the Philippines, what law will govern if the will is executed in the Philippines? And what law will govern if the will is executed in Japan, or some other country, for instance, the U.S.A.? Explain your answers.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(1) a. If the testator who is a Filipino citizen executes his will in the Philippines, Philippine law will govern the formalities.
b. If said Filipino testator executes his will in another country, the law of the country where he maybe or Philippine law will govern the formalities. (Article 815, Civil Code)
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(2) a. If the testator is a foreigner residing in the Philippines and he executes his will in the Philippines, the law of the country of which he is a citizen or Philippine law will govern the formalities.
b. If the testator is a foreigner and executes his will in a foreign country, the law of his place of residence or the law of the country of which he is a citizen or the law of the place of execution, or Philippine law will govern the formalities (Articles 17, 816, 817, Civil Code).
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL ANSWERS:
a. In the case of a Filipino citizen, Philippine law shall govern substantive validity whether he executes his will in the Philippines or in a foreign country.
b. In the case of a foreigner, his national law shall govern substantive validity whether he executes his will in the Philippines or in a foreign country.
Wills; Holographic Wills; Insertions &Cancellations (1996)
Vanessa died on April 14, 1980, leaving behind a holographic will which is entirely written, dated and signed in her own handwriting. However, it contains insertions and cancellations which are not authenticated by her signature. For this reason, the probate of Vanessa’s will was opposed by her relatives who stood to inherit by her intestacy.
May Vanessa’s holographic will be probated? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Yes, the will as originally written may be probated. The insertions and alterations were void since they were not authenticated by the full signature of Vanessa, under Art.
814, NCC. The original will, however, remains valid because a holographic will is not invalidated by the unauthenticated insertions or alterations (Ajero v. CA, 236 SCRA 468).
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
It depends. As a rule, a holographic will is not adversely affected by Insertions or cancellations which were not authenticated by the full signature of the testator (Ajero v.CA, 236 SCRA 468).However, when the insertion or cancellation amounts to revocation of the will, Art.814 of the NCC does not apply but Art. 830. NCC. Art. 830 of the NCC does not require the testator to authenticate his cancellation for the effectivity of a revocation effected through such cancellation (Kalaw v. Relova, 132 SCRA 237). In the Kalaw case, the original holographic will designated only one heir as the only substantial provision which was altered by substituting the original heir with another heir. Hence, if the unauthenticated cancellation amounted to a revocation of the will, the will may not be probated because it had already been revoked.
Wills; Holographic Wills; Witnesses (1994)
On his deathbed, Vicente was executing a will. In the room were Carissa, Carmela, Comelio and Atty. Cimpo, a notary public. Suddenly, there was a street brawl which caught Comelio’s attention, prompting him to look out the window. Cornelio did not see Vicente sign a will. Is the will valid?
SUGGESTED ANSWERS:
a) Yes, The will is valid. The law does not require a witness to actually see the testator sign the will. It is sufficient if the witness could have seen the act of signing had he chosen to do so by casting his eyes to the proper direction.
b) Yes, the will is valid. Applying the “test of position”, although Comelio did not actually see Vicente sign the will, Cornelio was in the proper position to see Vicente sign if Cornelio so wished.
Wills; Joint Wills (2000)
Manuel, a Filipino, and his American wife Eleanor, executed a Joint Will in Boston, Massachusetts when they were residing in said city. The law of Massachusetts allows the execution of joint wills. Shortly thereafter, Eleanor died. Can the said Will be probated in the Philippines for the settlement of her estate?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Yes, the will may be probated in the Philippines insofar as the estate of Eleanor is concerned. While the Civil Code prohibits the execution of Joint wills here and abroad, such prohibition applies only to Filipinos. Hence, the joint will which is valid where executed is valid in the Philippines but only with respect to Eleanor. Under Article 819, it is void with respect to Manuel whose joint will remains void in the Philippines despite being valid where executed.
ALTERNATIVE ANSWER:
The will cannot be probated in the Philippines, even though valid where executed, because it is prohibited under Article 818 of the Civil Code and declared void under Article 819. The prohibition should apply even to the American wife because the Joint will is offensive to public policy. Moreover, it is a single juridical act which cannot be valid as to one testator and void as to the other.
Wills; Probate; Intrinsic Validity (1990)
H died leaving a last will and testament wherein it is stated that he was legally married to W by whom he had two legitimate children A and B. H devised to his said forced heirs the entire estate except the free portion which he gave to X who was living with him at the time of his death.
In said will he explained that he had been estranged from his wife W for more than 20 years and he has been living with X as man and wife since his separation from his legitimate family.
In the probate proceedings, X asked for the issuance of letters testamentary in accordance with the will wherein she is named sole executor. This was opposed by W and her children.
(a) Should the will be admitted in said probate proceedings? (b) Is the said devise to X valid?
(c) Was it proper for the trial court to consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will? Explain your answers.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
(a) Yes, the will may be probated if executed according to the formalities prescribed by law.
(b) The institution giving X the free portion is not valid, because the prohibitions under Art. 739 of the Civil Code on donations also apply to testamentary dispositions (Article 1028, Civil Code), Among donations which are considered void are those made between persons who were guilty of adultery or concubinage at the time of the donation.
(c) As a general rule, the will should be admitted in probate proceedings if all the necessary requirements for its extrinsic validity have been met and the court should not consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will. However, the exception arises when the will in effect contains only one testamentary disposition. In effect, the only testamentary disposition under the will is the giving of the free portion to X, since legitimes are provided by law. Hence, the trial court may consider the intrinsic validity of the provisions of said will. (Nuguid v.Nuguid, et al., No.L- 23445, June 23, 1966, 17 SCRA; Nepomuceno v. CA, L-62952, 9 October 1985. 139 SCRA 206).
Wills; Probate; Notarial and Holographic Wills (1997)
Johnny, with no known living relatives, executed a notarial will giving all his estate to his sweetheart. One day, he had a serious altercation with his sweetheart. A few days later, he was introduced to a charming lady who later became a dear friend. Soon after, he executed a holographic will expressly revoking the notarial will and so designating his new friend as sole heir. One day when he was clearing up his desk, Johnny mistakenly burned, along with other papers, the only copy of his holographic will. His business associate, Eduardo knew well the contents of the will which was shown to him by Johnny the day it was executed. A few days after the burning incident, Johnny died. Both wills were sought to be probated in two separate petitions.
Will either or both petitions prosper?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
The probate of the notarial will will prosper. The holographic will cannot be admitted to probate because a holographic will can only be probated upon evidence of the will itself unless there is a photographic copy. But since the holographic will was lost and there was no other copy, it cannot be probated and therefore the notarial will will be admitted to probate because there is no revoking will.
ADDITIONAL ANSWERS:
1. In the case of Ganvs.Yap (104 Phil 509),the execution and the contents of a lost or destroyed holographic will may not be proved by the bare testimony of witnesses who have seen or read such will. The will itself must be presented otherwise it shall produce no effect. The law regards the document itself as material proof of authenticity. Moreover, in order that a will may be revoked by a subsequent will, it is necessary that the latter will be valid and executed with the formalities required for the making of a will. The latter should possess all the requisites of a valid will whether it be ordinary or a holographic will, and should be probated in order that the revocatory clause thereof may produce effect. In the case at bar, since the holographic will itself cannot be presented, it cannot therefore be probated. Since it cannot be probated, it cannot revoke the notarial will previously written by the decedent.
2. On the basis of the Rules of Court, Rule 76, Sec. 6, provides that no will shall be proved as a lost or destroyed will unless its provisions are clearly and distinctly proved by at least two (2) credible witnesses. Hence, if we abide strictly by the two-witness rule to prove a lost or destroyed will, the holographic will which Johnny allegedly mistakenly burned, cannot be probated, since there is only one witness, Eduardo, who can be called to testify as to the existence of the will. If the holographic will, which purportedly, revoked the earlier notarial will cannot be proved because of the absence of the required witness, then the petition for the probate of the notarial will should prosper.
Wills; Revocation of Wills; Dependent Relative Revocation (2003)
Mr. Reyes executed a will completely valid as to form. A week later, however, he executed another will which expressly revoked his first will, which he tore his first will to pieces. Upon the death of Mr. Reyes, his second will was presented for probate by his heirs, but it was denied probate due to formal defects. Assuming that a copy of the first will is available, may it now be admitted to probate and given effect? Why?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Yes, the first will may be admitted to probate and given effect. When the testator tore first will, he was under the mistaken belief that the second will was perfectly valid and he would not have destroyed the first will had he known that the second will is not valid. The revocation by destruction therefore is dependent on the validity of the second will. Since it turned out that the second will was invalid, the tearing of the first will did not produce the effect of revocation. This is known as the doctrine of dependent relative revocation (Molo v. Molo, 90 Phil 37).
ALTERNATIVE ANSWERS:
No, the first will cannot be admitted to probate. While it is true that the first will was successfully revoked by the second will because the second will was later denied probate, the first will was, nevertheless, revoked when the testator destroyed it after executing the second invalid will. (Diaz v.De Leon, 43 Phil 413 [1922]).
Wills; Testamentary Disposition (2006)
Don died after executing a Last Will and Testament leaving his estate valued at P12 Million to his common-law wife Roshelle. He is survived by his brother Ronie and his half- sister Michelle.
(1) Was Don’s testamentary disposition of his estate in accordance with the laws on succession? Whether you agree or not, explain your answer.
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes, Don’s testamentary disposition of his estate is in accordance with the law on succession. Don has no compulsory heirs not having ascendants, descendants nor a spouse [Art. 887, New Civil Code]. Brothers and sisters are not compulsory heirs. Thus, he can bequeath his entire estate to anyone who is not otherwise incapacitated to inherit from him. A common-law wife is not incapacitated under the law, as Don is not married to anyone.
(2) If Don failed to execute a will during his lifetime, as his lawyer, how will you distribute his estate? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
After paying the legal obligations of the estate, I will give Ronie, as full-blood brother of Don, 2/3 of the net estate, twice the share of Michelle, the half- sister who shall receive 1/3. Roshelle will not receive anything as she is not a legal heir [Art. 1006 New Civil Code].
(3) Assuming he died intestate, survived by his brother Ronie, his half-sister Michelle, and his legitimate son Jayson, how will you distribute his estate? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Jayson will be entitled to the entire P12 Million as the brother and sister will be excluded by a legitimate son of the decedent. This follows the principle of proximity, where “the nearer excludes the farther.”
(4) Assuming further he died intestate, survived by his father Juan, his brother Ronie, his half-sister Michelle, and his legitimate son Jayson, how will you distribute his estate? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Jayson will still be entitled to the entire P12 Million as the father, brother and sister will be excluded by a legitimate son of the decedent [Art. 887, New Civil Code]. This follows the principle that the descendants exclude the ascendants from inheritance.
Wills; Testamentary Intent (1996)
Alfonso, a bachelor without any descendant or ascendant, wrote a last will and testament in which he devised.” all the properties of which I may be possessed at the time of my death” to his favorite brother Manuel. At the time he wrote the will, he owned only one parcel of land. But by the time he died, he owned twenty parcels of land. His other brothers and sisters insist that his will should pass only the parcel of land he owned at the time it was written, and did not cover his properties acquired, which should be by intestate succession. Manuel claims otherwise.
Who is correct? Explain.
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Manuel is correct because under Art. 793, NCC, property acquired after the making of a will shall only pass thereby, as if the testator had possessed it at the time of making the will, should it expressly appear by the will that such was his intention. Since Alfonso’s intention to devise all properties he owned at the time of his death expressly appears on the will, then all the 20 parcels of land are included in the devise.
From the ANSWERS TO BAR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS in CIVIL LAW by the UP LAW COMPLEX and PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF LAW SCHOOLS.
