Australian lawyers for families, investors and professionals in the Philippines
Melbourne property, an estate in Australia, a partner visa with a complicated history, a separation with assets in both countries, or a business coming to Australia: we handle the Australian side carefully, and work with your lawyers and accountants in Manila, Cebu and Davao.
Mga usaping legal sa Australia para sa mga pamilyang Pilipino at Tsinoy. 為菲律賓華人家庭處理澳洲法律事務。
Paid 30-minute consultation, A$330, credited to your first invoice if you instruct us. English, Mandarin or Cantonese.
When getting it wrong costs far more than advice
Families in the Philippines usually come to us after something has already gone wrong. These are the problems we see most often:
- A Philippine will or extrajudicial settlement that an Australian bank or the Land Registry will not act on.
- An Australian document for the Philippines witnessed by a JP instead of a notary, so it cannot be apostilled.
- A partner visa refused because an earlier marriage in the Philippines was never legally ended.
- A divorce granted in Australia but the Australian property never formally divided, and the 12-month time limit has passed.
- Melbourne property bought in a child’s or relative’s name without thinking about death, separation or tax.
A paid consultation before you act is almost always cheaper than fixing the problem afterwards.
Matters we handle for clients in the Philippines
Estates and probate
Victorian probate or letters of administration for families in the Philippines, overseas executors and beneficiaries, and estates with assets in several countries.
Wills and powers of attorney
Victorian wills and enduring powers of attorney that work alongside your Philippine arrangements, including testamentary trusts.
Victorian property
Buying from overseas (foreign buyer rules and surcharges), selling with foreign resident withholding, land tax and vacancy tax, and ownership disputes.
Cross-border separation
Divorce, property and parenting matters where one spouse is in the Philippines, which still has no general divorce law. We work with your Philippine lawyer on recognition.
Partner and family visas
Partner visas with complicated histories, parent visas, and refusals at the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Skilled and employer visas
Employer sponsorship for skilled Filipino professionals, and strategy for graduates and families planning permanent residence.
Students in trouble
Criminal charges and visa cancellation notices for international students, with parents kept informed where the student agrees.
Business and commercial
Philippine businesses entering Australia, buying a business in Melbourne, contracts, debt recovery, and shareholder disputes.
Elder law and family disputes
Powers of attorney, VCAT guardianship and administration, and online mediation for families across both countries.
Notary and apostille
Special powers of attorney, affidavits and company documents notarised in Melbourne and apostilled by DFAT for use in the Philippines.
Why clients in the Philippines choose Chua Tan Associates
- A second-generation Melbourne family firm practising since 1990: Barristers, Solicitors & Notary Public.
- Two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, with many results published on AustLII.
- A principal who is a nationally accredited mediator, family law arbitrator, Accredited Family Business Advisor and STEP member.
- Experience with how Filipino and Filipino-Chinese family wealth is actually held, and with family expectations, privacy and face.
- Video consultations and overseas signing, so you rarely need to travel.
We advise on Australian law and work alongside your lawyers, notary and accountant in the Philippines.
Mandarin and Cantonese available.
Australian Legal Desk for overseas families
For families with property, children or a business in Australia, our Australian Legal Desk gives you a lawyer who already knows your family, with priority WhatsApp access and a yearly review of your Australian property, wills, powers of attorney and land tax. It has a fixed annual fee, quoted after an initial consultation.
Fees
In the consultation we understand your matter, review the documents we can in that time, and give you advice. If you instruct us, the fee is credited to your first invoice.
We quote a fixed fee for further work once we understand the matter and have seen the documents. We do not give free advice by message.
If you cannot afford private legal fees, Victoria Legal Aid or a community legal centre may be able to help.
How it works
- Message us on Facebook or WhatsApp, or book online, with a short description of your matter and any deadline.
- Pay for and attend a 30-minute video consultation. Send key documents beforehand.
- Receive a fixed-fee quote for the work your matter needs.
- We do the Australian work and coordinate with your advisers in the Philippines.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help without me travelling to Australia?
Usually yes. Consultations are by video, and documents can be signed in the Philippines in front of a notary or an Australian consular officer, depending on the document.
Will an Australian divorce be recognised in the Philippines?
That depends on Philippine law and the spouses’ citizenship, and usually needs a court case in the Philippines. We deal with the Australian divorce and property and work with your Philippine lawyer on recognition.
How do I use Australian documents in the Philippines?
The Philippines is part of the Apostille Convention. Most documents need to be notarised by a Notary Public and then apostilled by DFAT. A Justice of the Peace is not accepted for this.
Can I still buy property in Victoria from the Philippines?
Foreign persons are banned from buying established homes in Australia from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, with limited exceptions. New dwellings, land and commercial property may still be possible, usually with approval and extra state taxes.
My partner visa was refused. What now?
Tribunal deadlines are short and usually cannot be extended. Contact us immediately with the date on the refusal letter.
Do you consult in Filipino?
Consultations are in English, Mandarin or Cantonese.
Related guides
Divorce and separation between Australia and the Philippines
Property, parenting and recognition for families across both countries.
Talk to an Australian lawyer about your matter
Message us on Facebook or WhatsApp, or book a paid 30-minute video consultation online.
Mag-message sa amin para sa bayad na konsultasyon. 歡迎私信預約諮詢。
This page is general information about Australian law only and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation. We do not advise on Philippine law. Chua Tan Associates, Level 2, 262 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
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