Find an English-speaking lawyer in Playa del Carmen or Tulum fast. Below are five reputable options, plus how to choose, notario basics for real-estate closings, typical costs, and key checklists.
See Mexico Lawyer Help — a legal concierge for expats (not a law firm). Services include lawyer letters, pre-sign contract checks, and time share help & cancellation. Reply within 1 business hour.
Bilingual team handling residency (INM), contract matters, and buyer/seller due diligence with notario coordination.
Tulum-focused practice with bilingual support for property purchases, company setup, and residency paths.
Balanced civil practice with contract and consumer dispute support for expats and locals.
Focused on residency filings and regularization; ask about timelines and current INM practice.
Generalist support; confirm scope, written quotes, and expected response times.
Methodology: This independent directory highlights bilingual capability, responsiveness, and expat-relevant experience. Ratings are indicative; verify fit for your matter.
Confirm recent experience in immigration (INM), real estate & notario closings, civil/consumer, family, or criminal.
Ask for a written scope, timeline, and itemized fees. Clarify who replies after hours.
Keep invoices/receipts, and request translations before signing Spanish documents under pressure.
Many matters (immigration, company setup, real-estate due diligence) use fixed fees; litigation is often hourly or staged. Always request an itemized quote before payment.
| Area | Typical approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration (INM) | Fixed fee per process | Gov’t fees & translations extra |
| Real-estate closing | Fixed fee + notario | Fideicomiso & taxes are separate |
| Criminal/emergency | Retainer + staged | After-hours premium common |
| Family/probate | Fixed or staged | Foreign docs may need apostille |
| Business/contracts | Fixed for setup; hourly for disputes | Cross-border contracting needs careful review |
A notario is a senior attorney who formalizes and records acts like property conveyances. Your lawyer manages due diligence and negotiates terms, then coordinates with the notario for closing. In coastal “restricted zones,” foreigners typically use a bank trust (fideicomiso).
Shortlist bilingual firms, ask for written scope/fees, and confirm responsiveness.
Yes — the notario records title. Your lawyer handles due diligence and coordination.
Yes. Many steps can start remotely; some signatures later need in-person attention.
Often yes for immigration, company setup, and closings. Litigation is commonly hourly or staged.