Can I remarry after a previous cohabitation relationship ended?

In the Philippines, cohabitation or living together without the benefit of marriage, commonly referred to as a common-law relationship, does not hold the same legal status as a formal marriage. Unlike in other countries, where common-law marriages may be recognized under certain circumstances, Philippine law does not grant legal rights or obligations between partners in cohabitation unless the relationship is formalized through legal marriage.

Under the Family Code of the Philippines, only legally married couples are bound by legal obligations, such as spousal support, inheritance rights, and conjugal property laws. Thus, if you and your former partner were merely cohabiting without entering into a lawful marriage, you are free to marry another person without legal impediments, provided that neither of you was previously married to someone else, and no other legal restrictions exist.

If you or your previous partner had entered into a valid marriage with someone else before or during the cohabitation, any subsequent marriage will be considered void unless the previous marriage is legally annulled or declared void through court proceedings.

In summary, if you and your previous partner were not legally married, and no other legal issues exist (such as a prior marriage), you are generally free to remarry under Philippine law.