Frequently Asked Questions

We handle Family Law (annulment, legal separation, child custody, adoption), Property and Real Estate Law (land titling, boundary disputes, ejectment), Corporate and Business Law (registration, contracts, partnerships), Criminal Defense, and Labor Law (illegal dismissal, wage complaints, employment contracts). If you are unsure whether your concern falls within our practice areas, contact us for a free 30-minute consultation and we will advise you honestly.

Yes. While our main office is in Makati City, we represent clients from Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, and other nearby provinces. We also have a satellite office in Quezon City for clients in the northern Metro area. For clients who cannot visit in person, we offer consultations via Zoom or phone call by appointment.

Absolutely. We encourage clients to seek a second opinion, especially for complex or high-stakes matters. You are welcome to bring your case documents, court filings, or prior legal advice for review. We will assess your situation independently and give you our honest professional assessment — even if it means telling you we agree with your previous attorney.

Our team is fluent in Filipino (Tagalog), English, and Cebuano. All legal documents are prepared in either English or Filipino as required by Philippine law. We make it a point to explain legal concepts in plain language so you fully understand your case and your options — no unnecessary jargon.

Yes, we have extensive experience with OFW-related legal concerns, including POEA contract disputes, illegal recruitment, employer abuse, and money remittance problems. We can assist OFWs currently overseas through remote consultations and can represent them in Philippine courts through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). We understand the unique challenges OFWs face and handle these cases with particular urgency.

Your first consultation — up to 30 minutes — is completely free. This gives us the opportunity to understand your concern, assess the merits of your case, and explain your legal options without any commitment on your part. Subsequent consultations are billed at ₱1,500 per hour, which can be applied toward your legal fees if you decide to retain us.

Our fees depend on the nature, complexity, and estimated duration of your case. Simple document preparation (e.g., contracts, affidavits) starts at ₱3,000. Litigation cases — where we represent you in court — are discussed case-by-case, with retainer fees typically ranging from ₱15,000 to ₱50,000+ depending on the matter. We will always give you a transparent fee estimate before you commit.

Yes. We understand that legal problems often arise unexpectedly and do not wait for convenient timing. For qualifying cases, we can arrange staggered payment schedules so that legal representation does not become an additional burden. Payment plans are discussed openly during your consultation — just let us know your situation and we will find an arrangement that works.

We accept cash, bank transfer (BDO and BPI), GCash, and Maya. For clients who prefer to pay in installments, we issue official receipts for every payment and maintain a transparent ledger of fees billed and settled. All our fees are covered by a formal engagement letter so you always know exactly what you are paying for.

A retainer fee is an upfront payment that secures our legal services and compensates us for the initial work on your case — including research, case assessment, and document review. Think of it as a down payment on our professional services. It does not mean you pay all fees upfront; rather, it ensures we can dedicate the necessary time and resources to your case from day one. Any unused portion of a retainer is returned to you if the case concludes earlier than expected.

Annulment cases in the Philippines typically take three to six years when contested, though some cases are resolved in as little as two years when both parties are cooperative and court schedules allow. The timeline depends on the grounds cited, whether the respondent (your spouse) contests the petition, and the docket load of the Regional Trial Court where the case is filed. We are honest about this timeline with all our clients because unrealistic expectations help no one.

Property dispute timelines vary considerably. A simple ejectment case (unlawful detainer) can be resolved in six to twelve months at the Metropolitan Trial Court level. More complex land ownership disputes involving the RTC can take three to seven years. We always explore settlement or mediation options first when appropriate, as this can resolve disputes in a matter of months at far lower cost.

In most litigation cases, yes — your personal testimony and presence at key hearings is required by law. However, not every court date requires your attendance. We will clearly advise you which hearings you must attend and which we can handle on your behalf. For clients who work abroad or have demanding schedules, we plan strategically to minimize unnecessary appearances while protecting your legal rights.

A preliminary investigation is a proceeding conducted by the prosecutor to determine whether there is probable cause to file criminal charges in court. Both the complainant and the respondent are given the opportunity to submit affidavits, counter-affidavits, and supporting documents. The prosecutor then evaluates these and decides whether to file an information (formal charge) in court or dismiss the complaint. If you are a respondent in a preliminary investigation, it is critical to hire counsel immediately — what you submit at this stage can significantly affect the outcome.

Non-payment or delayed release of final pay is a violation of the Labor Code of the Philippines. Your employer is required to release your final pay — including unpaid wages, prorated 13th month pay, and any separation benefits owed — within 30 days from the date of separation. You may file a complaint with the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) Regional Office or the NLRC (National Labor Relations Commission). We can assist you in preparing and filing this complaint, and in negotiating or litigating your claim.

If a neighbor has encroached on your property, you have the right under Philippine law to demand removal of the encroachment and restoration of your property boundaries. The first step is to secure a survey conducted by a licensed geodetic engineer to establish the exact boundary lines. From there, you can send a formal demand letter (which we can prepare for you) and, if ignored, file an accion publiciana or accion reivindicatoria in the Regional Trial Court to recover possession and title to your property.

Under Philippine law, abandonment alone does not automatically allow you to remarry. Marriage in the Philippines can only be dissolved through annulment or a declaration of nullity granted by the court, or through the presumption of death of an absent spouse under Article 41 of the Family Code. If your spouse has been absent for at least four years (or two years in cases of danger of death) and you have a well-founded belief that they are dead, you may petition the court for a declaration of presumptive death, which would allow you to remarry. We strongly recommend consulting with us before taking any steps, as the requirements are very specific.

A contract signed under duress, intimidation, undue influence, or fraud may be voidable under the Civil Code of the Philippines. This means it can be annulled if you take action promptly. The law provides a prescriptive period within which you must file an action — generally four years from the time the defect (e.g., the intimidation) ceases. If you believe you signed something against your true will, do not wait: bring the document to us as soon as possible so we can assess the validity of the contract and advise you on your options.