Civil Code of Portugal.
On the third day of October, 1910, King Manuel II. of Portugal was dethroned and a Republic was proclaimed throughout the country. At the present time the affairs of the Republic are being administered by a provisional government. Until this temporary administration is followed by a permanent government, based on a national constitution, the Civil Code promulgated in 1867 will continue to be Portuguese law.
Marriage.—Marriage is defined in the Civil Code as a perpetual contract between two persons of different sex to live together and establish a legitimate family.
Catholics must celebrate marriage according to the rules and form prescribed by their church. Those who are not Catholics are required to have their marriage celebrated before a civil officer of the State according to the rules and form prescribed by the civil law of the land.
Marriage is forbidden:
1. Of minors under the age of 21 years, unless with parental consent.
2. Of persons of adult age who are incapable of properly governing themselves or their estates, without the authorization of their legal representatives.
3. Of an adulterous wife with her accomplice who has been condemned for the offence.
4. Of a wife who has been condemned as the principal or accomplice of the crime of homicide with a principal or accomplice in the same crime.
5. Of any person bound by solemn vows of religion to a life of chastity.