Guzman Acain LLP
Where Innovation Meets Experience.
We are a team of highly experienced and forward-thinking lawyers passionate about exceeding client expectations. We leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver strategic legal solutions across a wide range of industries, including:
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Mining and Energy
- Banking & Finance
- Construction & Real Estate
- Hospitality & Gaming
- Technology & Back Office Support
With over 25 years of experience, we are disruptors, not followers. We challenge the status quo to find innovative solutions that drive success for our clients in the Philippines and internationally.
Explore Our Practice Areas
Guzman Acain LLP: Your Trusted Partner Across Industries. We provide comprehensive legal counsel to a wide range of clients, both locally and internationally. Our experienced team offers expertise in the following key areas: Business & Transactions: Corporations, Aviation, Energy & Natural Resources, Financial Services, Real Estate, Construction, Technology, Travel & Hospitality. Trial and Litigation: Family Law, Immigration, Criminal Law, Labor & Employment, Intellectual Property. Emerging Challenges: Cybercrime & Fraud.
Founding Partners
Val Guzman
Alex Acain
+ADVISORIES
Email Inquiries
Staying Connected: Your Inquiry Response Time
We strive to reply to all email inquiries within the same business day. However, in rare instances, our responses might end up in your spam or junk folders.
To ensure you don’t miss our reply:
- Check your spam or junk folders periodically.
- Whitelist our email addresses to prevent future filtering:
- inquiries@guzmanacain.com
- guzmanacain@guzmanacain.com
- gtalaw@gtalawphil.com
Multiple Contact Options for Your Convenience:
We understand communication preferences can vary. Feel free to reach us through any of the email addresses listed above.
Office Hours
Important Notice: Appointments Required & Meeting Options
To ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and clients, we are currently operating by appointment only. This is because all our staff are still working remotely.
Meeting Options:
We offer flexible meeting options to accommodate your needs:
- In-person meeting: Schedule an in-person appointment at our office (subject to availability).
- Virtual meeting: We can conduct virtual meetings via Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype.
Schedule Your Appointment:
- Online: Click the “Appointment” tab on our website (if available) to schedule conveniently.
- Phone: Call us at +639175002878 to schedule an appointment over the phone.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Monthly Retainer
Enhanced Monthly Retainer Package – Streamline Your Legal Needs
Focus on running your business while we handle your everyday legal matters. Our monthly retainer package, starting at Php10,000.00, provides peace of mind and keeps you covered for a range of essential legal services:
Simplified Compliance: We’ll ensure your business stays compliant by filing the annual General Information Sheet with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on time.
Expert Legal Guidance: Receive prompt advice and legal opinions on various issues, including general law, property law, tax law, corporate matters, and labor law. Note: Excludes complex issues requiring extensive research.
Streamlined Contracts: Our team will review and draft routine contracts for your business operations, saving you time and ensuring clarity. Note: Excludes complex contracts requiring significant negotiation.
Efficient Government Liaison: We’ll represent you for routine inquiries and verifications before government offices and agencies within Metro Manila. Note: Excludes formal hearings or legal proceedings.
Convenient Notary Services: Need something notarized? We’ve got you covered with basic notary services.
Dedicated Corporate Secretary: Let us take care of the administrative tasks. Our retainer includes Corporate Secretary services, such as preparing minutes, resolutions, certificates, and maintaining corporate records.
Debt Collection and Dispute Resolution: We can draft and send demand letters on your behalf to recover outstanding debts or initiate communication regarding disputes. We will also handle replies to demand letters received by your company, ensuring a professional and legally sound response.
Benefits of a Monthly Retainer:
Cost-Effective: Predictable monthly fee avoids unexpected legal expenses.
Priority Service: Enjoy timely responses and dedicated support.
Peace of Mind: Know your legal needs are covered, allowing you to focus on your business goals.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and see how our monthly retainer can benefit your company.
Nullity of Marriage
Important Information Regarding Annulment Cases
We understand that considering annulment can be a difficult decision. Here’s some crucial information to keep in mind:
Residency Requirements: The updated Supreme Court guidelines require both parties in an Annulment/Nullity of Marriage Petition to meet specific residency requirements. This typically involves residency within the place of filing for at least 6 months before filing the petition. Proof of residency documents will be needed.
Lawyer Affidavit: Your handling lawyer will be required to sign an affidavit confirming the truthfulness of your residency information, based on what they know from your case.
Our Services: While we specialize in family law, to ensure efficient case management, we prioritize clients where at least one spouse resides in Metro Manila. If this doesn’t apply to your situation, we’re happy to recommend resources that might be a better fit.
How We Can Help:
If you meet the residency requirements and reside in Metro Manila, we can guide you through the annulment process. We’ll explain the necessary steps, and documentation requirements, and address any questions you may have.
Next Steps:
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your specific situation and explore the available options.
Immigration Blacklist
Facing an Immigration Blacklist? We Can Help.
If you’ve been blacklisted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), we understand the challenges you face. Our team can assist you in appealing the decision.
What We Can Do:
- Review Your Case: Send us a copy of the blacklist order or exclusion order (if available). This allows us to analyze the specifics of your situation and determine the best course of action.
- Appeal Assistance: We can guide you through the appeals process, including gathering necessary documentation and crafting a compelling appeal.
- Obtaining Blacklist Order (if needed): If you don’t have a copy of the order, we can help you obtain it from the BI.
Taking Action:
To get started, please reply to this email and attach a copy of the blacklist order (if available). We can then schedule a consultation to discuss your case further.
Important Note:
Appealing a blacklist decision can be a complex process. We highly recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer for a comprehensive review of your specific situation and the most effective legal strategy.
We’re Here to Help:
Don’t go through immigration alone. Our lawyers will guide you, answer your questions, and provide legal strategies to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Notary of U.S. Documents
Notarization & Apostille Services: Streamline Document Use in the U.S.
We can assist you in preparing your documents for use in the United States! Our services include:
- Notarization: Ensuring your documents comply with Philippine legal requirements for notarization.
- Apostille: We’ll handle the process of obtaining an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under the Hague Apostille Convention. This simplifies the legalization process for your documents in countries adhering to the Convention, including the U.S.
Why is Apostille Important?
Government agencies in the U.S. typically require documents from foreign countries to be legalized. An apostille from the DFA serves as official verification of the document’s authenticity, eliminating the need for further legalization by the U.S. Embassy.
Getting Started:
Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and get a quote for our services. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure your documents are prepared correctly for use in the U.S.
Important Note:
While an apostille is widely accepted, some U.S. states might have additional requirements for specific document types. We recommend checking with the receiving agency in the U.S. for any additional steps required.
Let Us Help!
We understand the complexities of document legalization, and we’re here to make the process efficient and stress-free for you.
News & Articles
Montreal Convention May Grant Compensation in PH Courts for the 5 Filipinos injured on SQ321
The Singapore Airlines Flight #SQ321 incident highlights the Montreal Convention for the 5 Filipino passengers. Here’s a breakdown of this case and some points to consider.
Alex Acain, our co-founding partner, recently participated in the exclusive Air & Space Law Masterclass Workshop at Leiden University’s renowned Institute of Air and Space Law in the Netherlands. This invitation-only gathering brought together aviation experts and professionals from around the world to discuss critical legal and regulatory issues impacting air transport and the space industry.