Question

Ms. Martinez and Mr. Santos have been living together for over 10 years without getting married. During the course of their relationship, they acquired several properties, including a house and a car. Unfortunately, they have decided to separate and are now seeking guidance regarding the distribution of their properties.

Based on the provisions of the Family Code, specifically Articles 147 and 148, discuss the property regime applicable to unions without marriage and address the following questions:

1. How would the properties acquired by Ms. Martinez and Mr. Santos be considered under the property regime of unions without marriage?
2. Would the properties acquired during the relationship be considered conjugal or exclusive properties?
3. What factors are considered in the determination of the property regime applicable to unions without marriage?
4. Are there any exceptions or limitations to the property rights of the parties in a union without marriage?