Palawan

On 7/26/2022 at 10:48 AM, beloved_dingo said:

I have seen almost every prenup I've encountered in family law be upheld, regardless of whether both parties had an attorney when it was signed. The #1 reason for a prenup to be thrown out is proof that one or both parties did not fully disclose all assets and/or debts. 

 

However, it doesn't hurt for both parties to have a lawyer, especially if their situation is complicated and there are international assets. I would also suggest both having an attorney if the prenup is very one-sided.

 

No one should ever sign a legal document unless they fully understand their rights and responsibilities pertaining to what they are signing. 

My fishing buddy is an family attorney in Texas, he said he can get a prenup thrown out if both parties don't seek seperate legal rep.  I just took his word for it, I assume he knows the law better than me.

Are you an attorney? What state?

On 7/26/2022 at 5:50 PM, pushbrk said:

So, yes, paying for express service is "mandatory" when actually receiving express service.  Getting the passport back same or next day is what you paid extra for.  I got my passport back in a week.  That's regular service.

Makes sense, I am just not trusting of letting my passport out too long, or leaving at a place. It would be my luck they would have a earthquake and it would be lost.  Plus she had to make about and 2 hour trip to Davao to BI, And having to go back later wouldn't be wise in terms of cost.

I have been going to Philippines since 2007, I was very very disappointed with Philippines, they were so strict with facemask, even driving a car or driving a motorbike.  I was still having malls in some cities asking for vaccines cards to enter.

Seems like to me Philippines went back about 15 years with all the entertainment places closed down permantly, and hotels and bars and clubs.  Many places at night outside of Manila are a major bore now.

On 6/1/2022 at 8:23 AM, natanicole said:

Hello everyone,

 

I have an interview coming up in July in the Guatemalan embassy, I filed my 2021 taxes already but on the IRS website it says that my tax return has not been processed. I spoke to someone from the irs and the lady told me that they are experiencing backlog and since i filed by paper its probably going to take longer. So my question here is:

1. Should I take the 2021 1040 for proof that I did file my taxes this year?

2. Do you think I'll have problems presenting the 2020 tax return?

3. Since I do have a co-sponsor do I have to take their 2021 tax return also?

I had the same issue a few years ago, Mailed in my taxes with check, they cashed check.  Took almost 2 years for them to process it, I called twice and got 2 different answers, I wrote down what the first IRS rep told me and when I called IRS about 7 months later, I was told was the first IRS said wasn't true.

But one thing they both said was not to refile, I finally refiled via mail with a note explaining everything and copies of my check with IRS Endorsement on back.

I got the same info about being backlogged and covid had things backed up, next time file electronically, solves all that 

On 7/21/2022 at 6:39 AM, ryan3434 said:

Hello, I am American, and my fiance is Chinese. For a prenup, do I need an "international family law" lawyer, or just a regular "family law" lawyer, or immigration lawyer, or...?  (Please don't say all three 😕 ) 

You would be best serve to have your fiancé go to separate lawyer and get advice on her signing, I have heard most courts will throw out a prenup if the other party didn't get representation and legal advice.

19 hours ago, PETER858 said:

4. Page 8, Questions 54 (DESCRIBE CIRCUMSTANCES OF YOUR IN PERSON MEETING/ATTACH EVIDENCE)

• I saw Youtube videos that says to attach a document for this explaining your relationship, how you first met, what you did, how you continue your long distance relationship, etc. I plan to do this as well. My question is does anyone have best advice on what to include here? and what evidence to attach? I have pages and pages of Facebook messages, as well as pictures of us together, etc but don't want to overwhelm the person reviewing the document with too much and don't want to give too little and be denied.

 

I would use the space provided and give a quick description, such as I meet XXXX at airport on xxx date, or I met so and so at McDonalds on xxxx date.  That's all you need, keep it simple.

38 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

I just told  you I picked up my passport yesterday.  Except for one three week trip to the USA and a quickie round trip to Guam, I've live here almost 5 years as a tourist.  Sending somebody else to do it, maybe they thought you were in a hurry.  Maybe  you were.  Maybe somebody cheated you.

I have the receipt, my wife sister did it. I was in hospital with broken hip sustained in the Philippines, I was bedridden almost. She was able to do it same day and not have to leave the passport, I looked on receipt I don't see anything about express fee on there, I had to show the extension to immigration at NAIA when I left last week for USA.

On 4/25/2022 at 8:08 PM, Misscloud said:

I didn't know they paid so low starting out, Pretty bad.

56 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

Your comment was in response to @Jorgedig's response which is indeed about K1 AOSing.

Filling out your timeline explaining WHEN you received an I129F in 30 days (as that's not realistic in 2022 for normal, non-expedited filers) and then an embassy interview in 30 days (as that's not realistic at any embassy right now) (and WHY it was so quick for you) and why you never received a 2 yr CPR Greencard interview nor a 10 yr LPR Greencard interview either would be helpful for the OP.

As of now, your argument is unsupported and in my books, could be considered trolling.

Thus why I am talking about K1's and AOS

Please take time to read before responding 

TIA

46 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

Your comment was in response to @Jorgedig's response which is indeed about K1 AOSing.

Filling out your timeline explaining WHEN you received an I129F in 30 days (as that's not realistic in 2022 for normal, non-expedited filers) and then an embassy interview in 30 days (as that's not realistic at any embassy right now) (and WHY it was so quick for you) and why you never received a 2 yr CPR Greencard interview nor a 10 yr LPR Greencard interview either would be helpful for the OP.

As of now, your argument is unsupported and in my books, could be considered trolling.

Filed about 7 years ago for K1, I have no clue why they waived both interviews for GC, I guess it just what they were doing at the time, I just go with the flow they don't want interview that's even better for us.

On 7/26/2022 at 6:53 AM, K1visaHopeful said:

This post is about K1 AOS, not K1 Visas. We are talking about the down sides to not being able to work, drive or leave the US for a long time while AOSing as a K1.

 

Again, fill out your timeline for context.

Giving the OP the false hope that an I129F approval and subsequent K1 visa approval can take 60 days without expedite or special conditions in today's world is not fair.

Wrong again, The Title is:  Getting a K-1 Visa fastest?

On 7/26/2022 at 6:40 AM, K1visaHopeful said:

Impossible.

K1 AOSers don't get approved until after their GC interview. 

 

Fill out your time line for context. 

You are lost and confused, We never had a AOS interview for a GC, it was waived for both GC.

I was talking about K1 visa approval in 30 days and did Embassy interview a few weeks later.

On 7/17/2022 at 10:53 PM, Jorgedig said:

It is no longer "fastest" overall, and the AOS process for K-1s is a big negative.

 

Most of us who did a K-1 even when the petition process was only 6 months (vs current 13 months) would have chosen a CR-1 in retrospect.

 

 

I found a AOS to be a piece of cake and easy, I saw nothing negative with it.

I did a K1,  no way would of chosen a CR-1.  I was approved in less than 30 days and had interview in less than 30 days from there.

On 7/25/2022 at 6:17 PM, AppalachianBiker said:

I'm at least more up to date than some on here. I was in Davao City when Sara Duterte won the Vice Presidential office. I'll read comments on here but I'll go my own way, and Mary my fiancee and live in the Philippines. 

Another prediction from me is that I think Sara will be the President eventually. 

I am more shocked Marcos was elected.  From what I have seen with 3 different presidents, nothing changes in the Philippines, You still have corruption in government and systemic poverty is widespread in the country.  I just don't see any hope unless Marcos does what his father did and martial laws the country and runs it as a dictator

On 7/25/2022 at 5:05 PM, pushbrk said:

I entered after an out and in in March.  My costs are nothing near that.  We're on the same track. I'm valid until September 19th.  I picked up my passport yesterday along with change from the 3,000p I paid for the extension.  The fees are what they are but I've heard some offices are playing some games with express fees and other issues.

 

1,500 USD that you may NEVER see again, is a lot of money.  For a non veteran, it's a minimum of 10k USD for an SRRV.  If you think they are so great, get one.

Are you still in Philippinines?

I am back in USA now, I had some stuff going on but got out of there as soon as I could, I was so sick of having to wear a mask everywhere, even outside or alone in a car.

On 7/25/2022 at 5:01 PM, pushbrk said:

Things can vary by office, but express fees in Dumaguete are mandatory only for six month extensions and for the first extension after entry.

 

I did my extension at BI in Davao City, I sent my wifes sister to handle it for me. Had to get POA done from an attorney.

On 7/25/2022 at 6:13 PM, AppalachianBiker said:

As compared to what ? Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles? 

Compared to most US Cities I have been to. I haven't been to Chicago or Detroit and it's been decades since I was in LA.

On 7/25/2022 at 3:25 PM, pushbrk said:

I would never even consider an SRRV (even the $1,500 one for veterans) until you're CERTAIN about both the relationship AND living in the Philippines.  There are low cost agencies locally that can help with that.  No need for a lawyer.  It's not a legal process.  

Philippines Government actually has an agency that pays a person to do SRRV, The American pays nothing.

On 7/25/2022 at 3:25 PM, pushbrk said:

That would be 2500 php once a year and about 3k (without express fee) for each two months.  One can also do 6 months for about 7k.  That's PHP.  Somebody said earlier that 2000p was $60.  It's not.  Currently 2000p is $36.  Lots of misinformation in this thread.

 

 

I just did a 3 month extension and valid thru September 14th, 2022 and my first extension for month was 2,030 peso, and my next extension for 2 months was 6,360 peso.  We are looking at 8,000 peso for 3 months. Just a FYI

On 7/25/2022 at 3:25 PM, pushbrk said:

That would be 2500 php once a year and about 3k (without express fee) for each two months.  One can also do 6 months for about 7k.  That's PHP.  Somebody said earlier that 2000p was $60.  It's not.  Currently 2000p is $36.  Lots of misinformation in this thread.

 

I am pretty sure Express Fees are mandatory 

On 7/25/2022 at 12:05 PM, Crazy Cat said:

Such as???

This is the issue when a person isn't familiar with Philippines, just like some other person asked what is CFO.

Biggest issue in my opinion once you get married you are on record in Philippines as married, you go back to PI catting around, or after divorce and your wife or x-wife or their family call cops on your for adultery, then here you go to jail.

23 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

I have always had a good experience through Expedia.  My only problem came when I used an obscure 3rd party booker.

How many times have you flown domestic in the Philippines, and how many times you flown international out of Philippine?

On 7/25/2022 at 11:15 AM, BearAndKoala said:

Thank you all!

 

Just FYI for anyone considering booking through Priceline, DON'T. They booked a flight on the opposite side of her island when she has an airport a few minutes from her home, and lied that it would be cheaper. Then proceeded to charge me $750 to move it to the right airport. Crooks.

Always book direct thru the airlines, never use a 3rd party

On 7/10/2022 at 12:34 PM, AppalachianBiker said:

If we were younger then that would be a possibility however I am 65+ and she is 61+ and really the bureaucracy and lazy attitude of the USCIS is ridiculous. 

 

This problem isn't USCIS, it the Philippines that basically locked down the country for 2 plus years.

Heck even today they require everyone to wear a mask, even outside, driving a car alone, or riding a motor bike, plus many places still require vaccines cards to enter malls.

You can place the blame on the government of the Philippines

On 7/20/2022 at 5:58 PM, AppalachianBiker said:

I'll undoubtedly live near Davao City and the Duterte clan and is the PRA only located in Manila ? The investment part does not bother me. 

Davao and surrounding cities like Digos City are so boring and really nothing to do or eat for me.  Do you like Davao? I find the traffic to be horrible there, and the dirty streets make it a no go for me

On 7/10/2022 at 5:46 PM, pushbrk said:

You can remain in the Philippines as a tourist for up to three years without leaving the country.  No need for an retirement visa or the associated expense.  Depending on your location, it could be more trouble to visit the Bureau of Immigration office if it's too far away.  Process is one month extension after the first 29 days and then you can start doing six month or two month extensions.  Extension require a drop in visit to the local BOI office.

 

None of this will speed up the process, but you'll be together.

Then you will be paying 2500 for a ACR card after your first visa extension, and wasting time going to BI and paying more. I think I just paid 8600 peso for a 2 month extension.