I. Introduction

Annulment is one of the most emotionally difficult legal processes in the Philippines, especially when the spouses have children. Unlike a separation between two adults with no dependents, an annulment involving children affects custody, support, parental authority, visitation, inheritance, legitimacy, schooling, residence, and the child’s emotional welfare.

Many spouses considering annulment ask the same questions:

Will my children become illegitimate? Who gets custody? Can I prevent my spouse from seeing the children? How much child support can I demand? Can the court decide custody while the annulment case is pending? Will the children have to testify? Can I remarry after annulment? What happens to the family home? Can my spouse refuse support because the marriage is being annulled?

This article discusses annulment with children in the Philippine legal context, including the legal effects of annulment, declaration of nullity, custody, support, visitation, legitimacy, property, and practical considerations for parents.

This is general legal information and not a substitute for advice from a Philippine family lawyer who can review the facts of a specific case.

II. Annulment, Declaration of Nullity, and Legal Separation

In Philippine usage, many people use the word “annulment” to refer to any court case that ends a marriage. Legally, however, there are distinctions.

A. Annulment of Voidable Marriage

An annulment applies to a marriage that was valid at the beginning but may be annulled because of a legal defect, such as lack of parental consent for a party of certain age, insanity, fraud, force, intimidation, impotence, or a serious sexually transmissible disease existing at the time of marriage.

Until annulled by a court, a voidable marriage is generally considered valid.

B. Declaration of Nullity of Void Marriage

A declaration of nullity applies to a marriage that was void from the beginning. Common examples include bigamous marriages, marriages without a valid marriage license when required, incestuous marriages, psychologically incapacitated marriages under Article 36 of the Family Code, and other marriages considered void by law.

In everyday speech, many Article 36 cases are called “annulment,” but technically they are petitions for declaration of nullity.

C. Legal Separation

Legal separation does not dissolve the marriage. The spouses remain married and cannot remarry. It may allow separation of property and authorize the spouses to live separately, but the marital bond continues.

For parents, all three proceedings may involve custody, support, visitation, and protection of children. But annulment and declaration of nullity are the remedies that may allow a person to remarry after final judgment and proper registration.

III. Why Children Matter in Annulment Cases

When a case involves children, the court does not merely decide whether the marriage should be annulled or declared void. The court must also protect the best interests of the children.

Child-related issues may include:

Custody while the case is pending;
Permanent custody after judgment;
Visitation or parenting time;
Child support;
School expenses;
Medical expenses;
Psychological care;
Parental authority;
Legitimacy or status of the children;
Surnames;
Residence and travel;
Protection from abuse, neglect, or manipulation;
Property rights and inheritance;
The effect of a parent’s new partner or future marriage.

The court’s guiding principle is the welfare and best interests of the child.

IV. Will the Children Become Illegitimate?

This is one of the biggest fears of parents.

The answer depends on the type of case and the circumstances of the marriage.

A. Children of Voidable Marriages

If the marriage is annulled, children conceived or born before the decree of annulment are generally considered legitimate.

This means that an annulment does not automatically make children illegitimate.

B. Children of Certain Void Marriages

For marriages declared void, the status of children depends on the specific legal ground. In some cases, children may be considered legitimate by express legal provision, such as children conceived or born before the judgment of nullity in certain Article 36 and Article 53 situations.

In other void marriage cases, children may be considered illegitimate, subject to legal exceptions and specific factual analysis.

C. Why This Distinction Matters

Legitimacy affects:

Surname rights;
Parental authority;
Inheritance rights;
Support;
Social and legal status;
Records and civil registry entries.

However, even if a child is illegitimate, the child remains entitled to support. A parent cannot refuse support simply because the child is illegitimate.

V. Does Annulment Remove Parental Responsibility?

No.

Annulment, declaration of nullity, or legal separation does not erase the duty of parents to support, care for, and protect their children.

A parent remains a parent even if the marriage is dissolved, annulled, or declared void.

The legal obligation to support children continues regardless of:

The breakdown of the marriage;
Who filed the annulment case;
Who was at fault;
Whether the child lives with one parent;
Whether the other parent has visitation;
Whether the parent has remarried;
Whether the parent has a new family;
Whether the child was born within a void or voidable marriage.

The child’s right to support belongs to the child. It is not a reward to the custodial parent and not a punishment against the paying parent.

VI. Custody of Children During Annulment

A court may issue provisional orders while the annulment or nullity case is pending. These orders may cover custody, visitation, support, protection, and related matters.

A. Temporary Custody

Temporary custody may be awarded to one parent while the case is ongoing. This does not necessarily determine the final custody arrangement.

The court may consider:

The child’s age;
The child’s health;
The child’s schooling;
Emotional bond with each parent;
Stability of the home environment;
History of caregiving;
Moral, psychological, and physical fitness of each parent;
Any history of abuse, violence, neglect, addiction, or harmful conduct;
The child’s preference, depending on age and maturity;
The ability of each parent to provide care;
The need to avoid disruption in the child’s routine.

B. Custody of Children Below Seven Years Old

Philippine law generally provides that no child under seven years of age shall be separated from the mother unless the court finds compelling reasons to order otherwise.

This is often called the “tender-age rule.”

However, this is not absolute. The mother may be denied custody if there are compelling reasons, such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, substance abuse, serious mental instability, prostitution, violence, inability to care for the child, or other circumstances that endanger the child’s welfare.

C. Custody of Older Children

For children older than seven, the court has broader discretion. The child’s preference may be considered if the child is of sufficient age and discernment, but the court is not automatically bound by the child’s choice. The best interests of the child remain controlling.

VII. Permanent Custody After Annulment

In the final judgment, or in related orders, the court may determine custody after the marriage is annulled or declared void.

Permanent custody may be:

Sole custody to one parent;
Custody to one parent with visitation to the other;
Shared or joint parenting arrangements, if workable;
Custody to a third person in exceptional cases;
Custody subject to conditions, supervision, or protective measures.

Philippine courts are generally cautious about arrangements that expose children to conflict, instability, or manipulation. A parent who uses custody as revenge against the other spouse may damage their own position.

VIII. Parental Authority

Parental authority is broader than physical custody.

Custody refers to actual care and residence of the child. Parental authority includes the rights and duties of parents over the person and property of the child, including upbringing, education, discipline, and legal representation.

Even when one parent has physical custody, both parents may still retain parental authority unless the court orders otherwise or the law provides otherwise.

A parent may lose or be restricted in parental authority in cases involving serious misconduct, abuse, abandonment, neglect, or other legal grounds.

IX. Visitation Rights

A non-custodial parent generally has the right to maintain personal relations with the child, unless visitation would harm the child.

Visitation is not primarily the right of the parent; it is also connected to the child’s right to know, communicate with, and maintain a relationship with both parents, when safe and appropriate.

A. Common Visitation Arrangements

Visitation may include:

Weekend visits;
Overnight visits;
Holiday sharing;
School break schedules;
Birthday arrangements;
Video calls;
Phone calls;
School event attendance;
Supervised visitation;
Pick-up and drop-off protocols;
Travel permission rules.

B. When Visitation May Be Restricted

Visitation may be supervised, limited, suspended, or denied when there is evidence of:

Physical abuse;
Sexual abuse;
Psychological abuse;
Threats;
Domestic violence;
Substance abuse;
Abduction risk;
Severe neglect;
Dangerous environment;
Manipulation or intimidation of the child;
Refusal to return the child;
Exposure to harmful persons or activities.

A parent should not unilaterally block visitation without legal basis, especially if there is a court order. If there is danger, the proper step is to seek court protection or modification of custody and visitation orders.

X. Child Support

Child support is one of the most important issues in annulment cases.

Support includes everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation, consistent with the financial capacity of the family.

For children, education includes schooling or training appropriate to their age, ability, and circumstances.

A. Who Must Pay Support?

Both parents are obliged to support their children. The amount depends on the needs of the child and the financial capacity of each parent.

A parent with custody also contributes support through daily care, housing, supervision, and direct expenses.

B. How Much Is Child Support?

There is no single fixed percentage under Philippine law that automatically applies to all cases. Courts consider:

Needs of the child;
Age of the child;
School expenses;
Medical needs;
Lifestyle before separation;
Parents’ income;
Parents’ property;
Parents’ earning capacity;
Number of children;
Special needs;
Other legal dependents;
Inflation and changing circumstances.

The court may order monthly support and may also require sharing of tuition, books, uniforms, medical bills, therapy, insurance, and other expenses.

C. Can Support Be Changed?

Yes. Support may increase or decrease depending on the child’s needs and the parent’s financial capacity. A child entering school, becoming ill, or requiring therapy may justify increased support. A parent’s genuine loss of income may justify adjustment, but not deliberate unemployment or bad faith avoidance.

D. Can a Parent Refuse Support Because the Other Parent Denies Visitation?

No. Support and visitation are related to the child’s welfare, but one should not be used as blackmail for the other.

A parent should not refuse support because visitation is denied. Likewise, a custodial parent should not deny visitation because support is delayed. The proper remedy is to seek court enforcement or modification.

E. Can a Parent Refuse Support Because the Annulment Is Pending?

No. The obligation to support exists regardless of whether the annulment case is pending, granted, or denied.

XI. Support Pendente Lite

While the case is pending, the court may order support pendente lite, or support during litigation.

This is important because annulment cases can take time. Children cannot wait until final judgment before eating, going to school, or receiving medical care.

A parent may ask the court for provisional support based on the child’s needs and the other parent’s ability to pay.

XII. Custody and Support in the Petition

A petition for annulment or declaration of nullity involving children should address child-related matters clearly.

It may include requests for:

Custody;
Visitation schedule;
Monthly support;
School expense sharing;
Medical expense sharing;
Health insurance;
Temporary protection orders, if needed;
Use of family home;
Parenting arrangements;
Travel restrictions;
Surrender of passports, if abduction risk exists;
Communication rules;
Psychological evaluation, if relevant.

The petition should be supported by evidence such as birth certificates, school records, medical records, income documents, expense lists, and proof of the caregiving arrangement.

XIII. Will Children Be Required to Testify?

Children are not automatically required to testify in annulment cases.

In many cases, the main issues concern the spouses’ relationship, psychological incapacity, fraud, consent, or other marital facts. The child may not need to participate.

However, children may become relevant witnesses in custody disputes, abuse allegations, or issues involving parental fitness. Courts are generally careful in handling child testimony to avoid trauma.

Where necessary, the court may consider interviews, reports, social worker assessments, psychological evaluations, or other child-sensitive methods.

Parents should avoid coaching children, forcing them to choose sides, or exposing them to pleadings and accusations.

XIV. Psychological Incapacity Cases With Children

Many Philippine “annulment” cases are actually petitions for declaration of nullity based on psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.

Having children does not automatically defeat an Article 36 case. A person may be psychologically incapacitated to comply with essential marital obligations even if the spouses had children.

However, the existence of children may be considered among the facts of the marital relationship. It may be relevant to whether the spouses performed marital and parental obligations, but it is not by itself decisive.

The court will examine the totality of evidence, including the parties’ conduct before, during, and after marriage.

XV. Effect on the Child’s Surname

If the child remains legitimate, the child generally continues to use the father’s surname.

If the child is illegitimate, the rules on surname may differ, including use of the mother’s surname or the father’s surname if legally recognized, depending on the facts and applicable law.

Annulment does not automatically require a change in the child’s surname. Any change in civil registry records must follow proper legal procedure.

XVI. Effect on Birth Certificates

An annulment or declaration of nullity does not automatically erase the father’s name from the child’s birth certificate.

If the child’s legitimacy or filiation is affected, or if entries must be corrected, separate civil registry procedures or court proceedings may be necessary.

Parents should avoid assuming that the annulment judgment alone changes every civil registry entry. The judgment must be properly registered, and any specific correction must follow the proper process.

XVII. Inheritance Rights of Children

Children’s inheritance rights depend on their legal status and filiation.

Legitimate children are compulsory heirs of their parents. Illegitimate children are also compulsory heirs, but their shares differ from those of legitimate children under succession law.

An annulment does not eliminate the child’s right to inherit from a parent. A parent cannot disinherit a child except for legal causes and through proper form.

Even if the parents’ marriage is annulled or declared void, the parent-child relationship remains.

XVIII. Property Issues Affecting Children

Annulment cases may involve liquidation of the spouses’ property regime. The applicable rules depend on whether the marriage was under absolute community of property, conjugal partnership of gains, complete separation of property, or another regime.

When children are involved, property matters may affect:

The family home;
Use of the residence by the custodial parent and children;
Delivery of presumptive legitime in certain cases;
Support;
School expenses;
Medical needs;
Ownership of properties acquired during the marriage;
Debts incurred for family expenses.

The court may issue orders to protect the children’s welfare while property issues are resolved.

XIX. The Family Home

The family home may be a major issue when children are involved. Even if spouses separate, the children still need stable housing.

Possible issues include:

Who may remain in the family home while the case is pending;
Whether the custodial parent and children may continue living there;
Whether the home will be sold after liquidation;
Whether one spouse must pay rent or expenses;
Who pays utilities, association dues, mortgage, or repairs;
Whether the home is part of the community or conjugal property.

Courts may consider the children’s welfare when issuing provisional orders on possession and use of the family home.

XX. Travel and Relocation of Children

A parent with custody should be careful about relocating children or taking them abroad during an annulment dispute.

Relocation may affect:

Visitation;
Schooling;
The other parent’s access;
Jurisdiction;
Risk of child abduction allegations;
Passport control;
Immigration requirements;
Court orders.

If there is an existing custody order, a parent should comply with it. International travel may require the other parent’s consent or court permission, depending on the circumstances.

A parent who secretly removes a child to defeat the other parent’s rights may face serious legal consequences.

XXI. Domestic Violence and Child Protection

Annulment cases sometimes involve domestic violence, child abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, or threats.

A parent may seek protection under laws addressing violence against women and children, child abuse, or other relevant remedies.

Possible protective measures include:

Temporary protection orders;
Stay-away orders;
Custody orders;
Support orders;
Removal of the abusive party from the home;
Prohibition against harassment;
Supervised visitation;
Surrender of firearms;
Police or barangay assistance.

If children are at risk, safety should be prioritized over informal arrangements.

XXII. Parental Alienation and Manipulation

Courts generally disfavor a parent who manipulates a child against the other parent without valid reason.

Harmful conduct may include:

Telling the child false stories about the other parent;
Forcing the child to reject the other parent;
Blocking communication without legal basis;
Using the child as messenger or spy;
Exposing the child to court pleadings;
Making the child feel guilty for loving the other parent;
Threatening the child for wanting contact;
Posting custody disputes online.

This conduct may affect custody because it can harm the child’s emotional welfare.

At the same time, genuine fear or refusal by a child due to abuse should not be dismissed as alienation. The court must carefully distinguish manipulation from legitimate safety concerns.

XXIII. Agreements Between Parents

Parents may enter into agreements on custody, visitation, and support. However, agreements affecting children are always subject to court approval and the best interests of the child.

Parents cannot validly agree to waive a child’s right to support. A parent also cannot sell, bargain away, or permanently surrender a child’s rights for personal convenience.

A parenting agreement may cover:

Custody schedule;
Decision-making;
School choice;
Medical care;
Support amount;
Expense sharing;
Holidays;
Travel consent;
Communication;
Emergency procedures;
Dispute resolution.

A clear written agreement can reduce conflict, but it should be realistic and child-centered.

XXIV. Can One Parent Remarry After Annulment?

A person may remarry only after a final judgment of annulment or declaration of nullity has been issued and the required registration and legal steps have been completed.

A court decision alone may not be enough if required registration, annotation, liquidation, partition, distribution, or delivery of presumptive legitime has not been completed where applicable.

A parent planning to remarry should make sure all legal requirements are completed before entering into another marriage. Otherwise, the subsequent marriage may face legal problems.

Remarriage does not remove the parent’s support obligation to children from the previous marriage.

XXV. New Partners and the Children

Annulment cases often become more complicated when one or both parents have new partners.

A parent’s new relationship may affect custody if it exposes the children to harm, instability, neglect, scandal, abuse, or inappropriate circumstances. However, the mere existence of a new partner does not automatically make a parent unfit.

Relevant questions include:

Are the children safe?
Is the new partner abusive or dangerous?
Are the children neglected?
Is the child forced into an uncomfortable living arrangement?
Is the parent prioritizing the new partner over the child’s welfare?
Is the relationship causing emotional harm?
Are court orders being violated?

Parents should introduce new partners carefully and avoid using children to validate or attack adult relationships.

XXVI. Overseas Filipino Parents

Annulment with children becomes more complex when one parent is abroad.

Issues may include:

Service of court papers;
Overseas income for support;
Custody across borders;
Travel documents;
Video call visitation;
Remittances;
Recognition of foreign divorce, where applicable;
Enforcement of support orders;
Child relocation;
Immigration plans.

An overseas parent remains obligated to support the child. The fact that a parent is abroad does not erase parental duties.

Evidence of income may include employment contracts, payslips, remittance records, tax documents, bank statements, or lifestyle evidence.

XXVII. Foreign Divorce and Children

If one spouse is a foreigner and obtains a valid divorce abroad, the Filipino spouse may need to seek recognition of the foreign divorce in the Philippines before being considered capacitated to remarry under Philippine law.

Children remain entitled to support regardless of the divorce or recognition case.

Custody and support issues may still need to be resolved in Philippine courts if the children are in the Philippines or if Philippine jurisdiction applies.

XXVIII. Procedure in Annulment Cases Involving Children

The exact procedure depends on the ground and facts, but a typical case may involve:

Consultation and case assessment;
Preparation of petition;
Filing in the proper Family Court;
Payment of filing fees;
Service of summons;
Possible answer by the other spouse;
Investigation or report by public prosecutor where required;
Pre-trial;
Marking of evidence;
Presentation of witnesses;
Psychological evidence, where relevant;
Custody and support incidents;
Formal offer of evidence;
Decision;
Finality;
Registration of judgment;
Annotation with civil registry;
Liquidation or partition of property, where required;
Implementation of custody and support orders.

Child-related provisional orders may be requested early in the case.

XXIX. Evidence Needed When Children Are Involved

Useful documents may include:

Marriage certificate;
Birth certificates of children;
School records;
Tuition assessments;
Medical records;
Therapy records;
Expense summaries;
Receipts;
Proof of income of both parents;
Bank statements;
Remittance records;
Photos or videos, if relevant and lawfully obtained;
Messages showing caregiving, neglect, threats, or support;
Police or barangay blotters;
Protection orders;
Social worker reports;
Psychological evaluations;
Affidavits from caregivers, teachers, relatives, or doctors.

Evidence should be gathered lawfully. Illegally obtained recordings or privacy violations may create separate legal issues.

XXX. The Role of the Public Prosecutor and the State

Marriage is not treated purely as a private contract in the Philippines. The State has an interest in preserving marriage and preventing collusion.

In annulment and nullity cases, the court may require participation of the public prosecutor or government counsel to ensure there is no collusion and that evidence is properly presented.

Where children are involved, the State’s interest includes protecting minors and ensuring their welfare.

XXXI. Collusion and Fabricated Cases

Spouses cannot simply agree to annul their marriage by consent. There must be a legal ground proven in court.

Even if both spouses want the annulment, the court must still determine whether the legal requirements are met.

Fabricating facts, coaching witnesses, or falsely alleging psychological incapacity can harm the case and may expose parties to legal consequences.

Agreements on children may be considered, but the court is not bound to approve arrangements that harm the child’s welfare.

XXXII. Can the Case Proceed If One Spouse Does Not Participate?

Yes, a case may proceed even if the respondent spouse does not participate, provided proper legal procedure is followed.

However, the petitioner still has the burden to prove the ground for annulment or nullity. A spouse’s silence or failure to appear does not automatically grant the petition.

For child-related matters, the court may still issue orders on custody, support, and visitation based on evidence.

XXXIII. Can Children Be Used as Leverage?

No.

Children should not be used as weapons in annulment disputes.

Improper conduct includes:

“No support, no visitation”;
“No visitation, no support”;
Threatening to take the children away forever;
Telling children adult accusations;
Making children choose sides;
Withholding school or medical information;
Demanding waiver of support in exchange for custody;
Refusing consent to documents out of spite;
Posting the children’s private issues online.

Courts focus on the child’s welfare, not the parents’ revenge.

XXXIV. Annulment and Adoption or Step-Parent Issues

If a parent later remarries, the new spouse does not automatically become the legal parent of the child.

A step-parent may help care for the child, but parental authority and legal duties generally remain with the biological or legally recognized parents unless adoption or another legal process occurs.

Adoption has separate requirements and serious legal consequences. It should not be treated as a shortcut in annulment disputes.

XXXV. Support for Adult Children

Support may continue beyond minority in appropriate cases, especially for education and training, depending on circumstances.

A parent may still be required to support a child who is of legal age but still pursuing education or training appropriate to the family’s circumstances and the child’s capacity.

However, support is not unlimited. It depends on need, capacity, and legal standards.

XXXVI. Children With Special Needs

When a child has special needs, the court may consider:

Therapy;
Special education;
Medical care;
Assistive devices;
Caregiver costs;
Transportation;
Long-term care;
Emotional stability;
The parent better equipped to provide care;
The financial ability of both parents.

Support may be higher because the child’s needs are higher.

Custody may also be affected by who can provide consistent, specialized care.

XXXVII. Enforcement of Support Orders

If a parent refuses to comply with a support order, remedies may include:

Motion for execution;
Contempt proceedings;
Garnishment of income or assets, where available;
Court orders requiring payment of arrears;
Criminal or protective remedies in appropriate cases;
Coordination with employer, where legally permitted;
Further family court action.

A parent should keep records of all payments, including bank transfers, receipts, remittance slips, and acknowledgment messages.

Cash payments should be documented.

XXXVIII. Modification of Custody and Support Orders

Custody and support orders may be modified when circumstances change.

Examples:

Child changes school;
Parent relocates;
Parent becomes abusive;
Parent loses or gains income;
Child develops medical needs;
Child refuses visitation due to valid reasons;
Existing schedule becomes impractical;
Parent repeatedly violates orders;
Child’s best interests require change.

A parent should not simply ignore an existing order. The proper remedy is to ask the court to modify it.

XXXIX. Practical Parenting Guidelines During Annulment

Parents should:

Keep children out of adult conflict;
Avoid badmouthing the other parent;
Maintain routines;
Pay support on time;
Document expenses;
Follow court orders;
Communicate in writing and respectfully;
Avoid surprise relocation;
Inform the other parent of major school and medical matters;
Avoid using social media to air disputes;
Consider counseling for the children;
Prioritize safety where abuse exists;
Keep copies of all legal and financial records.

A parent’s behavior during the case may influence custody and credibility.

XL. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I file for annulment even if we have children?

Yes. Having children does not prevent annulment or declaration of nullity if a legal ground exists.

2. Will the court automatically give custody to the mother?

Not always. For children below seven, the mother is generally preferred unless there are compelling reasons otherwise. For older children, the court evaluates the child’s best interests.

3. Can the father get custody?

Yes. A father may obtain custody if it is in the child’s best interests, especially if the mother is unfit or if circumstances favor the father’s custody.

4. Can I stop the other parent from seeing the children?

Only if there is a valid reason, especially involving danger or harm to the child. Otherwise, the non-custodial parent usually has visitation rights.

5. Can I demand child support before the annulment is granted?

Yes. Support may be requested while the case is pending.

6. Can my spouse stop paying support because I filed annulment?

No. Filing an annulment case does not end the duty to support children.

7. Can I waive child support?

A parent generally cannot waive a child’s right to support. The right belongs to the child.

8. Can the child choose which parent to live with?

The court may consider the preference of a child of sufficient age and maturity, but the child’s choice is not automatically controlling.

9. Do children need a lawyer?

In some cases, the court may appoint or involve representatives, social workers, or other professionals to protect the child’s interests. Whether separate counsel is needed depends on the situation.

10. Can I remarry after annulment?

Only after final judgment and completion of required legal steps, including registration and annotation, and any required property-related steps.

XLI. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking annulment automatically removes support obligations;
Assuming children automatically become illegitimate;
Relying on verbal custody agreements only;
Denying visitation without court authority;
Stopping support to punish the other parent;
Posting accusations online;
Involving children in adult disputes;
Hiding income to reduce support;
Taking children abroad without proper consent or authority;
Ignoring court orders;
Fabricating grounds for annulment;
Failing to register the judgment properly;
Remarrying too soon;
Treating a child’s right to support as negotiable;
Using custody as leverage in property settlement.

XLII. Conclusion

Annulment with children in the Philippines is not only about ending or invalidating a marriage. It is also about protecting the children from the legal, financial, and emotional consequences of their parents’ separation.

The most important principles are clear:

Children do not lose their parents because of annulment. Support continues. Custody depends on the child’s best interests. Visitation should be respected unless harmful. A child’s right to support cannot be waived by parental agreement. The court will not grant annulment by mere consent of the spouses. A parent’s conduct during the case can affect custody, support, and credibility.

For parents, the best approach is to separate adult conflict from child welfare. The marriage case may be adversarial, but parenting must remain responsible, lawful, and child-centered.