Best Lawyers in Fiji
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Fiji Legal Questions answered by Lawyers
Browse our 7 legal questions in Fiji and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
- Can I claim
- Hello:Thank you for sharing your situation. Assuming this matter involves the Philippine jurisdiction, let me clarify how the law generally works. Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, succession is governed by strict rules. Since your stepfather had no biological or adopted children, his heirs would be determined either by a.) his will if it was validly executed or b.) by intestate succession if no valid will exists.A key concern here is that you mentioned you signed as a witness to the will. Under Article 823 of the Civil Code, a witness to a will cannot inherit under that same will. This means that even if your stepfather left something for you, being a witness disqualifies you from receiving it. However, this does not entirely close the door. If there are other legal grounds such as a.) being treated as a compulsory heir through legal adoption (if he had adopted you), or b.) if your mother had rights over conjugal properties during their marriage, then your rights may come in indirectly.Since your stepfather’s property was originally under him and his first wife, the share of the deceased first wife should have already passed to her heirs. Your stepfather’s share, on the other hand, should follow either the will or intestate rules. If the will cannot be enforced due to technicalities, intestate succession applies. In intestacy, if your stepfather had no descendants, parents, or siblings, then the surviving spouse would have inherited. Given that your mother also passed away, her heirs, which includes you as her child, may inherit her transmissible share.What you can do now is a.) check the validity of the will to see if it complies with the formal requirements, b.) determine who the rightful heirs of both your stepfather and your mother are, and c.) pursue estate proceedings in court to settle the matter.We at Recososa Law Firm handle estate settlement cases like this. We have offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. We can schedule an initial consultation via Google Meet, Zoom, or a face-to-face meeting at our office to map out the inheritance path and your possible remedies. You may send us an email at recososalawfirm@gmail.com and kindly indicate that you are a client from LawZana, or call/text us directly at +639175046510.If this answers your question to your satisfaction, I hope it is not too much to ask to like and share our Facebook page and also leave us a review on our Google page below. Your support truly inspires us to continue helping more people: Google Page:https://g.page/r/CW7ozgJGLkAMEAI/reviewFacebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/RecososaLawFirmSincerely,ATTY. JOFRE B. RECOSOSAOwner/Managing PartnerRecososa Law FirmE-mail: recososalawfirm@gmail.comMobile/Viber/WhatsApp: +63-917-504-6510
- what can i do?
- Sir, Kindly tell the Jurisdiction and Please contact me with more detailed facts so that I can assist you better.
- How to divorce a file
- Contact me by sending me a direct message
About Hiring a Lawyer in Fiji
The process of hiring a lawyer in Fiji is generally straightforward, albeit requiring some degree of due diligence. It starts with identifying the right lawyer or law firm best suited to handle your specific legal issue. Potential clients can do this by gathering recommendations, conducting online searches, or using directories provided by Fiji’s regulatory bodies for legal practitioners. It is vital to ensure that the lawyer you choose is registered with the Fiji Law Society, which oversees all legal practitioners in the country. Once you have identified a suitable lawyer, you can then set up a consultation meeting to further discuss your needs. Be ready to ask about their experience, fees, and how they plan to handle your matter.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
There are numerous circumstances in which you may require the services of a lawyer in Fiji. These might include buying or selling property, setting up or buying a business, crafting a will, going through a divorce, defending a criminal charge or having a civil dispute. Lawyers can provide you with legal advice and representation, helping to protect your rights and interests. It is always more advisable to seek legal advice before making decisions that could have legal implications.
Local Laws Overview
Fiji’s legal system is primarily based on British law, as it was once a British colony. The constitution is the supreme law of the land. Local laws that are particularly relevant to lawyers in Fiji include corporate law, property law, family law, criminal law, and employment law. Additionally, Fiji’s environmental laws are unique due to ongoing efforts to combat climate change and protect the region's unique ecosystem. As such, understanding the distinctness of Fiji’s legal system is essential for lawyers operating within its territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are all lawyers in Fiji fluent in English?
English is one of the official languages in Fiji and is widely spoken. Therefore, you can expect most legal professionals in Fiji to be proficient in English.
2. Are there free legal services in Fiji?
There are some organizations, such as the Legal Aid Commission in Fiji, that provide free legal services for those who cannot afford a private lawyer. The scope of these free services may be limited.
3. How are lawyer fees determined in Fiji?
Lawyer fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the experience of the lawyer, and the length of time the case will take. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others may charge by the hour.
4. Can I change my lawyer if I'm not satisfied with their services?
Yes. As a client, you have the right to end your relationship with your lawyer if you're unsatisfied with their services. However, you should check your agreement for terms concerning termination of services.
5. What are the hours generally adopted by law firms in Fiji?
Typically, law firms in Fiji operate between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. However, individual firms may have different office hours and you should verify this with them directly.
Additional Resources
Those seeking legal advice in Fiji can approach the Fiji Law Society, which is the regulatory body overseeing lawyers in the country. The Legal Aid Commission can be helpful for those who cannot afford legal services. Moreover, the University of the South Pacific’s Law School runs a community law programme that may prove helpful.
Next Steps
If you need legal assistance in Fiji, you should first identify your legal issue clearly. Next, you should seek a suitable lawyer who specializes in the relevant area of law. Request for a consultation, during which you should ask relevant questions about their fees, experience, and how they plan to handle your matter. Remember to review all documentation carefully before signing any agreement with your lawyer.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.