Cap. 255 Art. 20Putative marriage.

(1) If a marriage is declared to be void the effects of a valid marriage shall be deemed to have existed, in favour of the spouses until the judgment of nullity has become a res judicata when both spouses had contracted the marriage in good faith.

(2) The effects of a valid marriage shall be deemed to have always existed with reference to the children born or conceived during a marriage declared to be void as well as with reference to children born before such marriage and acknowledged before the judgment declaring the nullity.

(3) If only one of the spouses was in good faith such effects shall apply in his or her favour and in favour of the children.

(4) If both spouses were in bad faith the effects of a valid marriage shall apply only in favour of the children born or conceived during the marriage declared to be void.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision, the spouse who was responsible for the nullity of the marriage, is bound to pay maintenance to the other spouse in good faith for a period of five years, which duty shall cease if the party in good faith marries during such period.

Catholic Marriages