Focus On Mexico

Mexican Legal System

  • legal system in Mexico

    Despite what you may have heard, the legal system in Mexico is highly evolved. It is different from the systems in Canada and the U.S. and although somewhat complex (not unlike Canada and the U.S.), it is effective but slow.

    The vast majority of people, no matter where they live, rarely get caught up in the complex legal system in Mexico, and are usually only exposed to those laws that affect their every day living.

    In this section we will cover those issues and point out the differences between Mexico, Canada and the United States.

    A case in point would be an Apostille, which is a process that serves as a way for documents to be recognized across international borders. The United States and Mexico recognize the Apostille process, but Canada does not. This is one of the many things you’ll learn when you come on a Focus on Mexico program.

     Information on Apostille in Spanish...

    Information on Apostille in English...

     Stan & Betty McArthur
    “We are extremely grateful for the information and experience gained from the ‘Focus On Mexico’ program. Had we come to this area on our own, it would have been impossible to have learned so much. The conferences, University @ the Bar sessions, realtor presentations, bus trips, etc., provided us with an opportunity of a lifetime at an affordable cost. Should we decide to relocate to Mexico, we have already met wonderful people through ‘Focus On Mexico’ and we look forward to being part of the Alumni.”
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  • Apostille Certification in Mexico
    Apostilles are globalApostille is a French word that means a "certification." It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.
    Car Accidents in Mexico
    minor car accidentIf involved in a car accident in Mexico, do what you would do at home: Stay calm, get the names and addresses of any witnesses, and contrary to what you may have heard, do not leave the scene.
    Civil Law in Mexico
    Legal System in Mexico is highly evolvedCivil Law in Mexico... it is by far, a less litigious society than its neighbors to the north.  The rule here is that it is far better to negotiate than litigate. Here’s why.
    Inheritance Wills for Assets in Mexico
    Wills are prepared by a Notario in MexicoIf you decide to live in Mexico and accrue some assets, then you need to consider a Will. A regular Will covers your worldwide assets and can be made either in your home country or in Mexico. An issue with a regular Will is that “cross border” probate can be very complicated.
    Mexican Contract Law
    The legal system is Mexico provides for Federal Laws and State laws.The fundamentals of Contract Law in Mexico are much the same as they are in the U.S. and Canada. The contract must be in writing, have an offer and acceptance, establish liquidated damages or other penalty provisions, and conditions of default and termination of contractual obligations.
    Mexican Criminal Law
    Notarios have more training than Lawyers in MexicoA major difference in the criminal law in Mexico is the proceedings, the accused is considered guilty until proven innocent.
    Notary and Lawyer in Mexico
    Senor Uriarte explains the legal system in Mexico.In Mexico, every legal contract (wills, deeds, powers of attorney, trusts, etc.) must be made before a notary public (Notario Publico) in order to be valid.
    What if Spouse or Friend Die in Mexico
    A Notorio Works with you to prepare your legal documents.What if Spouse or Friend Die while in Mexico and there is no will, under a Direct deed, if a spouse dies in Mexico, property is transferred to the surviving spouse.
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