23 September

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Single Parents and the Importance of Estate Planning

Posted by Mexlaw

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is protecting your children in the event of an untimely death. Estate planning is particularly important for single parents; single parents have a lot of added responsibilities and higher stakes compared to a dual-parent family. As a single parent, it is even more imperative to prepare a will and select a guardian. In a two-parent home, if one parent dies, the children are more likely to remain in their home with the surviving parent but what happens in a single-parent family? It is difficult to think about this situation, but it is...

09 September

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Important Facts About Wills and Your Mexican Estate

Posted by Mexlaw

in Mexican Will, MexLaw

September is will month in Mexico, and the Mexican government offers incentives to property owners to encourage them to prepare a will. Foreigners with investments in Mexico may have a will prepared in Canada or the US, however getting a foreign instrument recognized in Mexico can entail a lengthy and expensive process. The foreign will must be translated into Spanish by an official court-approved translator. It must be "Apostilled" in the country where it was prepared. Canadian wills are not required to be apostilled but will need to be translated into Spanish by a court-approved translator and submitted to the...

23 July

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Another Timeshare Risk – Is it a Mexican Corporation?

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

Although there are legitimate vacation or timeshare companies out there, and some may suit your family's vacation needs, you need to be aware of the less scrupulous timeshare companies in Mexico. Timeshares have a terrible reputation, and as stories about timeshare fraud continue to make the headlines, the industry continues to thrive, seducing tourists into buying into their resorts every day. Most importantly you should never sign any contract without having it reviewed by a lawyer and although this point seems logical, for some reason people will sign legal documents and pay a large deposit during a timeshare presentation, something they...

18 July

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8 Reasons to Hire an Architect in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in MexLaw, Real Estate

Whether you are renovating, restoring, or building a new structure, you should consider hiring an architect. The architect's job is to bring your vision to life, but there are many other aspects of their profession. Architects are professionally educated and have the experience to create and execute a beautifully functional design, optimizing the space, and ensuring the safety of its occupants. Dealing with permits and licenses in Mexico can be a challenge your architect will obtain the necessary permits and ensure your project is carried out legally, avoiding issues with the government agencies, fines, or work stoppage. They have...

25 June

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When Expat Marriages Break Down in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

Living in a foreign country can add to the complications of marriage and divorce; it is like walking a tightrope between the legislation or two countries. We recommend that you make an appointment with a Mexican lawyer they will review your situation and advise you how to proceed. My spouse and I are both Canadian, we were married in Canada, but we have been living in Mexico for four years. We have decided to file for a divorce, do we need to return to Canada to begin the divorce process? -No, the Canadian Courts will not have jurisdiction over your divorce, since...

21 June

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Avoiding Scams in a Tourist Town

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

We use the Riviera Maya as an example, but these tips are useful in any country you visit. There are so many amazing things that attract foreigners to visit, live, and retire in Mexico but like any country, there are a few known scams to watch out for. As you arrive at the airport in Cancun or any other tourist destination, you will be swarmed by transport providers, tour operators, and timeshare salespeople. Although respectable tour and transport providers are vying for your attention, many unscrupulous people will lie and try to mislead you to get your business. An example of...

22 May

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Airbnb Guests – A Captive Audience for Additional Revenue

Posted by Mexlaw

in Immigration, MexLaw, Real Estate

Renting your Mexican property out privately or through platforms such as Airbnb can provide a significant income, plus you have the opportunity to increase your revenue by providing additional services to your guests. Your guests are a captive audience who are usually looking for many of these services; you may as well be the one to provide them. Your guests will be impressed, which also means positive reviews and return visits. If you live in the area you have probably made some great contacts who can assist you with these services; it may be time to network to put these ideas...

20 May

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Improved Labor Laws for Domestic Employees in Mexico

Posted by Mexlaw

in Legal Services, MexLaw

One of the luxuries of living in Mexico is being able to afford to hire a housekeeper, nanny, or a gardener. Domestic workers typically have a casual agreement with their employer and are often paid in cash without benefits. If you employ domestic workers, you should be aware of the recent changes to labor laws for these workers. Although this will take time to make a difference in people's lives, laws are changing to improve the work life of domestic employees and underage children. Mexican Congress voted unanimously to expand the labor rights for domestic workers. The new labor reform...

20 May

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A Complete Home Inventory is Key to Proving Loss

Posted by Mexlaw

in Insurance, MexLaw

Buying the appropriate home insurance policy is critical to protecting your possessions and making sure you will be able to replace them, but what is the best way to prove your material loss to the insurance company? When you file a claim for damage or loss, the insurance company will require proof of any loss you have suffered. If you experience loss whether through a robbery, fire or water damages to your home you will not be in the best state of mind to remember every item you owned, ease stress, and ensure you recoup your losses by being proactive. Document...

09 May

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5 Points to Consider Before Investing in a Mexican Development

Posted by Mexlaw

in MexLaw, Real Estate

Purchasing a condominium in Mexico is an exciting venture, and there are plenty of new buildings on the market. Before handing over your money consider these 5 points and as always we remind our readers to hire a lawyer licensed in Mexico to review the sales agreement and carry out due diligence on the property. Can you trust the developer? What is the business model and are their other projects successful? Check out the developer's reputation and experience before you invest. Does the property have a business model that guarantees long-term appreciation? Who is the administrator and what is their...

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