Know the Law in Mexico - Legal Ease
A Series by Adriana Perez Flores © 2006, All Rights Reserved
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Wills in Mexico

This is a topic that some people do not like to face, as it makes them think about their own mortality. Unfortunately, if we want to take care of our loved ones or a favorite charity, we must face this issue at sometime.

There two common types of wills. One is a legacy, and the other is just a regular will to cover everything in your estate worldwide. A legacy only covers your assets here in the Republic of Mexico. As many of our readers already have wills in the U.S. or Canada, they will only require a legacy.

In the event of death, if it is discovered that you have more than one will, your estate will be open to all sorts of problems. This may include people not mentioned in your wills being able to make claims during probate, which just makes the issue difficult for your heirs. Please make sure that these issues are clear when preparing for your will.

A Notario Público must draw up all wills. By law, the will must be drawn up in Spanish, which is the reason you may require a translator if your Spanish is weak. Unfortunately, you cannot bring a friend along to translate, as state law requires the translator to be someone recognized by the federal and or state authorities.

Now, the big question - do you require a will in Mexico? If you own property in Mexico, you will have a deed. On the deed, also prepared by a Notary, you will have beneficiaries listed in the event of your death. Those beneficiaries (which can only be parents, wife, or children on a deed) will receive your property as stated upon your death.

If the only other asset you have in Mexico is a bank account, you can have those same beneficiaries, or anyone else, be co-owners of your account, or accounts. This gives them full signing authority if you die.

The co-owners of the account are recommended for two reasons. The first is that it is just simpler and quicker than probate, which leads to the second reason. Your executor or beneficiary will have access to funds that may be needed right away for your burial, transfer of deeds, and or expenses to get here. Otherwise, probate for a bank account can take several months, possibly a year, or maybe even longer. This is also recommended even if you are making a will.

Please note; if at one time your deed was a trust deed from a bank, and you've transferred it to a direct deed, you will NOT be able to list beneficiaries (article 1893 of the civil code), in which case you would require a will. Before going to see a lawyer or a notario, we recommend looking over your deeds and making sure your beneficiaries are in order. If they are, and the bank accounts are addressed, you probably do not require a will in Mexico.

The recommendations mentioned above are for simple estates only. If you own several properties. . .

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Adriana Perez Flores is an Attorney at Law based in Ajijic, Jalisco for legal and immigration services throughout Mexico.
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