Civil Law

What this area covers

Civil law governs the private relationships between persons — the obligations they owe one another, the contracts they enter into, the property they hold, and the remedies available when a right is violated. In the Philippines these matters rest principally on the Civil Code (Republic Act No. 386) and are pursued under the Rules of Civil Procedure.

We represent individuals, businesses, and organizations in civil disputes, whether the matter calls for filing a case, defending one, or resolving it without litigation.

Matters we handle

• Breach of contract

• Collection of sums of money

• Claims for damages

• Property and ownership disputes

• Obligations and torts

How these matters typically proceed

A civil action begins with a complaint and the defendant's answer, after which the parties exchange the written testimony of their witnesses through judicial affidavits. The case then moves to pre-trial, where the issues are narrowed and settlement is explored, to trial, and finally to a decision. A judgment that has become final is enforced through a separate step called execution.

Where a case is filed depends in part on its nature: a real action (one affecting title to or possession of real property) is filed where the property is located, while a personal action is generally filed where a party resides. Identifying this correctly at the outset avoids delay.

Related areas

Civil disputes frequently arise from agreements addressed in our Contract Law practice and from property questions handled under Real Estate Law.