Long Term Stay in PH

bigpearl . . . .Understand Bob. What time remains you are entitled to enjoy.Perhaps sell the house, divy up the funds between yourself and the step children and move on.Good luck with your choices.

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We had our wills drawn up when I went into the hospital, in case I didn't make. In my will I stated I would have no claim on the house (my choice), little did I know by law I couldn't have ownership anyways, the house was in her name.

In previous posts I mentioned we had the house torn down and rebuilt. One reason it was my wife's family home and the inheritance of the home was divided up among her siblings. The siblings sold their portion of the house, if I had know we would have bought the whole place. Anyways I found out with the division we did not have a front door anymore. The kids were using a window to enter & leave. The house ended up being long and narrow.

When we moved to the Philippines the plan at the time was to sell the house and buy a bungalow in a cooler climate.

It never happened, my wife was dragging her feet and the main reason her kids did not want to move. We did look one time but the house was too small.

They can keep the house and all the bills that come with it.

Also they can support themselves.

@Enzyte Bob

They can keep the house and all the bills that come with it. Also they can support themselves.

The old saying that blood is thicker than water without a doubt applies in the Philippines. The 33 year old layabout stepson with no respect for his elders is benefiting from your contribution to the household budget.

Bob I think its time to get out of Dodge if only because of that asshole. Perhaps its worth talking with the Condo agents that you are interested in if they can provide an ‘enabling’ service to handle your move, especially if you sign a long term lease.

Lotus Eater said . . . .  Bob I think its time to get out of Dodge if only because of that asshole. Perhaps its worth talking with the Condo agents that you are interested in if they can provide an ‘enabling’ service to handle your move, especially if you sign a long term lease.

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Thanks for the suggestion about the Condo agents. There are many furnished Condos available at P20,000 to P30,000 and under on a lease.

I was thinking about renting for a month and if I like it enter into a lease. I've been reading it's best to lease through an agency in case a problem that requires maintenance.

There are also plenty of moving companies on FB that will come and pack up your belongings, truck them and install into your new abode Bob. We did that 14 years ago from our condo in Manila up to San Fernando City La Union, some 7 hours drive for the truck each way. They did all the hard yards but we packed 6 or 7 boxes. From memory it was P 12,500. It was a long day for all especially the for the company that travelled back to Manila. Bob, longe suite, quality beds and bedding, TV's, sound systems, dining suite, refrigerator etc. etc.

I'm sure your move will be closer and far cheaper and they do most of the grafting, you just need to point your finger.

Leasing a condo make sure you also find out how much the association dues are per month, most don't mention them until you sign.

Good luck and cheers Bob.

@Enzyte Bob

You were married to a Filipina correct? So doesn't that mean you can own land? I thought marriage achieved citizenship or am I wrong? Also, you said "your" will stated you wouldn't make a claim on the house. What's your will, to take effect on "your" death, got to do with who owns that property now?

Sorry Bro, to own land here you have to become a naturalised citizen, pity other countries including Australia don't have the same laws. I'm sure Bob well knows the laws here as he has lived here for a long time, married for a long time.

The marriage allows you to obtain a 13a visa and the perks that go with it but when it comes to property/land ownership here the laws are very different to most western countries. You firstly have to look at if your spouse owned the property in her name and no hereditary ties/claims on how the title was obtained in her name. If she owned it outright then after passing there are some very strict hereditary laws and the siblings come first, the husband can be low on the list. Given the relationship with the dick stepson sometimes we move onto a better life.

It's Bobs business and he will be aware of his rights and options and for all of us the remaining years should be enjoyed after working our tits off for 45/50 years.

Bob from my experience is very astute, argumentative as he sees fit (Like me) but a wealth of knowledge offered to this forum from a long life. It seems the choice has been made and all us fellow members can do is offer support/suggestions for the journey he will embark upon.

Cheers, Steve.

I agree with Bob

Feel for all you are going through.

Maybe all of our stories one day.

Don't come back to the US if you can avoid it.

Try finding someone there to take your wife's place.

Good luck and God Bless.