The husband is the manager of the property of the conjugal union, except when there is a mutual agreement to the contrary.
The husband is the legal representative of the wife. She cannot, without his permission, appear in a suit by herself or through an attorney. However, she does not need such permission to defend herself in a criminal case or to bring a suit against her husband, or to defend herself in a suit brought by her husband against her.
A wife cannot, without her husband’s permission, acquire property in trade or by her labour. Neither can she, without such consent, alienate her property.
The wife can, without her husband’s permission, perform the following acts:
1. Execute a will.
2. Exercise the rights and perform the duties which pertain to her with regard to legitimate and recognized illegitimate children, the issue of herself and another not now her husband.
Foreign Marriages.—The Spanish courts recognize as valid in Spain any marriage performed in a foreign country in accordance with the laws of such country, provided such marriage also meets with all the requirements of the Civil Code of Spain.