Living in Costa Rica retirement relocation tours.

Tips for Finding a Lawyer in Costa Rica

1. Ask your fellow ex-pats for recommendations. They have been there and done that.

2. Do not let advertising influence your decision. It is only a paid ad. Anyone can do that.

3. If you do have a problem, you CAN file a complaint against an attorney, but it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to get another attorney to represent you so be prepared to represent yourself which requires fluent Spanish.

4. Do not automatically trust someone that appears in forums as an “expert”. There is way more involved in Costa Rica legal transactions than “knowledge”. Basically, “FOLLOW THROUGH”.

5. Never, ever pay for the entire amount required up front. Pay no more than 1/2 initially and 1/2 upon completion.

6. Remember that sometimes the “giving your word” concept is not understood here as in other countries.

7. A good clue is if the attorney makes the appointment for 2 or 3 in the afternoon, it is possible that is when he begins the work day. Most government offices close from 3 to 4:30 for the day, leaving little time for attorney “work”.

8. Ask for at least 2 recommendations for a particular attorney.

9. And if you are personally involved with an attorney, go elsewhere for your legal work.

10. Do not trust an attorney (or anyone else) just because they speak English.