Question

III. PERSONS AND FAMILY RELATIONS

Legal Separation (Family Code, Art. 55-67)

Alice and Robert have been married for five years. However, their marriage has been filled with constant arguments, misunderstandings, and emotional abuse. Alice can no longer tolerate the toxic environment and wishes to seek legal separation from Robert.

Based on the provisions of the Family Code concerning legal separation, answer the following questions:

1. What are the grounds for legal separation in the Philippines? Discuss each ground and provide the corresponding provision in the Family Code.
2. Can Alice file for legal separation based on the circumstances described? Explain why or why not, citing the relevant provision in the Family Code.
3. If Alice decides to proceed with filing for legal separation, what are the legal effects and consequences of a decree of legal separation? Discuss at least three effects and provide the corresponding provisions in the Family Code.