Article 23 — Effects of Marriage

1. 1.

   Marriage creates between the spouses a bond of mutual rights and obligations, as provided by this Code and the laws of the State.

2. 2.

   The spouses owe each other:

   1. Fidelity
   2. Mutual support and assistance
   3. Contribution to the charges and management of the household and family welfare
   4. Respect for the dignity and autonomy of the other spouse.
3. 3.

   Each spouse retains full legal capacity and may independently perform juridical acts, acquire and dispose of property, and exercise a profession or occupation.

4. 4.

   Upon marriage, each spouse retains their own name. A spouse may elect to use the family name of the other spouse, or a combination of both names, as a name of usage, in accordance with Article 3.

5. 5.

   The spouses are jointly responsible for the needs of the household and the maintenance of the family. Either spouse may bind the other with respect to debts incurred for ordinary household necessities, unless the third party knew or ought to have known that the other spouse had expressly objected.

6. 6.

   The spouses shall determine by agreement the arrangements for their common life, including their place of residence. In the absence of agreement, neither spouse may impose a place of residence upon the other.

7. 7.

   Marriage does not of itself affect the nationality of either spouse. The acquisition of nationality by marriage is governed by the Nationality Code.