1. Rental Disputes (租賃糾紛)
Common Issues
- Illegal security deposit retention
- Unauthorized rental increases
- Maintenance disputes
- Early termination conflicts
- Utility bill disputes
Case Study
Situation: An American teacher’s landlord refused to return NT$60,000 security deposit, claiming “renovation costs” without evidence.
Solution Path:
- Documented original apartment condition with photos
- Gathered all rental payments and communications
- Filed complaint with local housing department
- Legal team negotiated through mediation
Outcome: Full deposit returned plus compensation for delayed return.
Prevention Tips
- Use standard rental contracts in both English and Chinese
- Document property condition thoroughly
- Keep all payment records
- Get maintenance requests in writing
- Register rental agreement officially
2. Real Estate Transactions (不動產交易)
Common Issues
- Contract interpretation differences
- Down payment disputes
- Property defect discoveries
- Transfer procedure complications
- Foreign ownership restrictions
Case Study
Situation: British investor discovered undisclosed structural issues after purchasing NT$15 million property.
Solution Path:
- Conducted professional inspection
- Gathered evidence of seller’s prior knowledge
- Filed legal claim for misrepresentation
- Negotiated settlement through legal channels
Outcome: Secured NT$2 million compensation for repairs.
Prevention Tips
- Professional property inspection
- Title search verification
- Legal review of all documents
- Escrow account usage
- Professional representation in negotiations
3. Family Matters (家事事件)
Common Issues
- International divorce proceedings
- Child custody across borders
- Asset division complications
- Inheritance disputes
- Marriage registration problems
Case Study
Situation: Canadian father facing international custody dispute with Taiwanese spouse.
Solution Path:
- Filed for temporary custody orders
- Engaged international family law experts
- Documented all parent-child interactions
- Developed shared custody proposal
Outcome: Established workable joint custody arrangement with guaranteed visitation rights.
Prevention Tips
- Prenuptial agreements in both languages
- Clear custody arrangements in writing
- Regular documentation of parent-child relationship
- Professional mediation for disputes
- Early legal consultation
4. Consumer Protection (消費者保護)
Common Issues
- Product quality disputes
- Service contract breaches
- False advertising claims
- Refund denials
- Warranty enforcement
Case Study
Situation: Australian consumer charged NT$200,000 for unauthorized gym membership extensions.
Solution Path:
- Gathered all contract documents
- Filed consumer protection complaint
- Documented unauthorized charges
- Legal representation in negotiations
Outcome: Full refund secured plus contract termination.
Prevention Tips
- Read contracts carefully
- Keep all receipts and agreements
- Document all communications
- Understand cancellation rights
- Verify company credentials
5. Privacy Rights (個人隱私)
Common Issues
- Unauthorized data collection
- Image rights violations
- Personal information misuse
- Online privacy breaches
- Workplace surveillance issues
Case Study
Situation: South African professional’s personal data leaked by former employer.
Solution Path:
- Documented data breach evidence
- Filed personal information protection complaint
- Demanded immediate data deletion
- Pursued legal remedies
Outcome: Data removed, compensation received, written apology issued.
Prevention Tips
- Regular privacy audits
- Clear consent documentation
- Data protection agreements
- Regular password changes
- Professional guidance on rights
6. Labor Contracts (勞動契約)
Common Issues
- Unfair termination
- Salary disputes
- Working hour violations
- Benefits denial
- Contract misinterpretation
Case Study
Situation: Indian IT professional denied overtime pay and forced to work excessive hours.
Solution Path:
- Documented all working hours
- Gathered colleague testimonies
- Filed labor bureau complaint
- Legal representation in negotiations
Outcome: Recovered NT$350,000 in unpaid overtime, working conditions improved.
Prevention Tips
- Written contracts in both languages
- Clear job descriptions
- Regular time records
- Understanding of labor laws
- Early legal consultation
7. Intellectual Property (智慧財產)
Common Issues
- Copyright infringement
- Trademark violations
- Trade secret disputes
- Patent conflicts
- Technology transfer issues
Case Study
Situation: German company’s software copied by local competitor.
Solution Path:
- Documented infringement evidence
- Filed cease and desist letters
- Initiated legal proceedings
- Negotiated settlement terms
Outcome: Infringement stopped, damages paid, future protection established.
Prevention Tips
- Regular IP audits
- Clear ownership agreements
- Proper registration
- Confidentiality agreements
- Monitoring system implementation
8. Harassment Prevention (跟蹤騷擾防制)
Common Issues
- Stalking incidents
- Workplace harassment
- Online harassment
- Threatening behavior
- Privacy invasions
Case Study
Situation: French student experiencing persistent stalking by former acquaintance.
Solution Path:
- Documented all incidents
- Filed police reports
- Obtained protection order
- Legal representation for enforcement
Outcome: Stalking stopped, protection order enforced, safety plan established.
Prevention Tips
- Document all incidents
- Save all communications
- Install security measures
- Build support network
- Know emergency procedures
9. Service Contracts (服務契約)
Common Issues
- Contract term disputes
- Service quality issues
- Hidden fee discoveries
- Cancellation problems
- Misrepresentation claims
Case Study
Situation: Malaysian businessman overcharged for incomplete consulting services.
Solution Path:
- Reviewed contract terms
- Documented service deficiencies
- Demanded service audit
- Legal negotiation for resolution
Outcome: Service contract adjusted, excess fees refunded.
Prevention Tips
- Clear service definitions
- Written scope of work
- Regular progress reports
- Payment milestone clarity
- Professional contract review
10. Traffic Accidents (交通事故)
Common Issues
- Insurance claim disputes
- Liability determination
- Compensation negotiations
- Medical expense coverage
- Documentation problems
Case Study
Situation: American cyclist involved in scooter accident with disputed liability.
Solution Path:
- Gathered accident scene evidence
- Obtained police reports
- Documented medical expenses
- Legal representation in negotiations
Outcome: Full compensation received, medical expenses covered.
Prevention Tips
- Understand traffic laws
- Maintain proper insurance
- Know emergency procedures
- Keep vehicle documentation
- Have emergency contacts ready
How Better Call Simon Can Help
Our firm offers:
- 24/7 emergency legal support
- Multilingual legal services
- Experienced cross-cultural team
- Proven track record
- Comprehensive legal solutions
Our Approach
- Initial case evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Clear communication
- Efficient resolution
- Ongoing support
Conclusion
Legal issues in a foreign country can be overwhelming, but with proper legal support, they can be effectively resolved. At Better Call Simon, we understand the unique challenges foreigners face in Taiwan and are committed to providing comprehensive legal solutions.
Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can help protect your rights in Taiwan.