Question

III. PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS
L. Rights and Obligations Between Husband and Wife (Family Code, arts. 68-73)

1. Maria and Juan have been married for five years. In their marriage, Maria has been responsible for managing their finances and paying the bills. However, she recently discovered that Juan has been hiding significant debts and using their joint bank account for personal expenses without her knowledge. Maria is now unsure of her rights and obligations as a wife in this situation.

Explain the rights and obligations between husband and wife in relation to financial matters under the Family Code. Discuss the legal remedies available to Maria in asserting her rights and protecting her interests.

2. Sofia and Miguel have been married for ten years. Sofia is a successful businesswoman and has accumulated substantial assets in her name. Miguel, on the other hand, has been unemployed for the past five years. Sofia is concerned about the possibility of divorce and wants to protect her assets from being divided in case their marriage ends. She seeks your advice on how to protect her properties and discuss the concept of absolute community of property and the exceptions to its application, as stated in the Family Code.

Provide an explanation of the concept of absolute community of property and discuss the exceptions to its application. Advise Sofia on the steps she can take to protect her assets in the event of a divorce.