Maria was a practising lawyer in the Philippines for nearly 10 years before moving to New Zealand, where she requalified and was admitted as a lawyer in 2021. She brings with her a diverse background and experience that enrich her practice.
She offers strategic guidance on all aspects of trusts, from establishment to ongoing management, compliance, and eventual distribution or wind-up. She also provides advice on estate planning, wealth and asset protection, wills and enduring powers of attorney. Maria works with a wide range of clients, including individuals, families and business owners. Maria takes a holistic approach to estate planning, considering the unique circumstances of each client to provide tailored solutions. She is known for her attentive listening, practical advice and for building long-lasting relationships with clients. Maria is fluent in Tagalog (Filipino) so can translate if need be.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and being creative in the kitchen.
Legal Secretary: Gail Guldbrandsen | gguldbrandsen@schnauer.com, 09 486 5807
Expertise
- Trust formation, review and restructuring
- AML compliance
- Estate planning
- Wealth and asset protection
- Wills
- Enduring powers of attorney
Qualifications
- Admitted to the High Court of New Zealand, 2021
- Master of Laws, University of Santo Tomas (Philippines)
- Bachelor of Laws, Arellano University School of Law (Philippines)
- Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Legal Management, De La Salle University-Manila (Philippines)
Memberships
- New Zealand Law Society
- New Zealand Asian Lawyers
