Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Escalation Clauses in Philippine Real Estate Mortgages: Limits and Borrower Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage escalation clauses, unilateral interest rate hikes, and borrower rights to refunds.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
Estate TAX Deductions Allowing Notarial AND Guardianship Fees TO Reduce Taxable Estate Value
Lis Pendens and Oral Partition: Protecting Property Rights in Real Estate
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld an oral partition and quitclaims, clarifying quieting of title and property rights.
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
Living Wills and Inheritance Rights: When Relatives Can Intervene in Estate Proceedings
Explains when a testator may probate a will during lifetime, and when relatives or creditors may intervene in estate settlement.
Corporate Veil vs Probate: Protecting Corporate Identity in Estate Proceedings
When can a probate court include a corporation's assets in a deceased person's estate? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Suing a Deceased Person in the Philippines: Estate Claims and Legal Personality Rules
Can you sue a deceased person's estate in the Philippines? Learn the legal personality rules and proper probate procedure for collecting debts from an estate.
Buyer Beware Due Diligence and the Importance of Lis Pendens in Philippine Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on lis pendens, due diligence, and buyer protection in Philippine real estate transactions.
Receipts as Proof of Sale: Understanding Contract Perfection in Philippine Real Estate Law
When does a real estate sale become binding? The Supreme Court explains receipt requirements, fraud, and contract perfection in this Philippine case.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Philippine Estate Administration: When the Surviving Spouse Loses Preference as Administrator
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surviving spouse may lose the preferential right to administer a deceased partner's estate.
Automatic Contract Rescission in Philippine Real Estate: Buyer and Seller Rights
Understand when automatic rescission clauses in Philippine real estate contracts apply, and the rights of buyers and sellers under the Maceda Law.
Buyer Beware Priority Rights In Philippine Real Estate Contracts To Sell
Learn how Philippine courts treat priority rights in contracts to sell real estate, and what buyers must verify before paying.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
Earnest Money Matters Understanding Refundability in Philippine Real Estate Deals
When can a seller keep earnest money in a failed property deal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on refunds under Philippine law.
Illegitimate Childrens Inheritance Rights IN THE Philippines A Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on oral donations, co-ownership, and prescription in estate partition disputes.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Real Estate: Protecting Your Property Rights
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? Learn how Philippine courts protect property owners from disguised loan transactions.
Lost Inheritance: The Perils of Delay in Philippine Estate Law
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how heirs who sleep on their rights can lose their inheritance to laches and final judgments.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.