Process Server in Mexico

(Haga clic aquí para español)

Process Service Network specializes in legal service in Mexico and is one of the few firms that handles international service of process and offers competitive rates.  Our job is to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to get the service completed with as little delay as possible.  We have been in business since 1978 and have developed close working relationships with key individuals in most countries throughout the world.  The founder and CEO of Process Service Network was a Political Science major in college with a focus on international relations and is actively involved in a worldwide organization through which he has developed business and personal relationships in over 80 nations worldwide. He is also an International Circle member of the World Affairs Council and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Unlike some of our competitors who claim to be experts, we actually are familiar with the laws, customs and current practices in the countries where documents are to be served. With offices in 8 countries, serving major regions around the world, we stay on top of current events and service strategies. Our personal relationships and close dealings with the judicial authorities in the U.S. Department of State and many countries allow us to have a better understanding of their procedures and requirements.

The following is a summary of the methods available for service in Mexico as well as a specific proposal for process service. 

FORMAL SERVICE
Mexico and the United States are signers of The Hague Service Convention (treaty) that governs service of process to be effected between the two nations. Service will be made by formal service through the Central Authority which itself arranges for service by methods prescribed in Mexico.  Documents to be served in accordance with this method must be translated into Spanish.

However, Mexico has recently changed its policy (without proper notification) that they require formal service by Letters Rogatory.  Letters Rogatory is a request from the local Court seeking judicial assistance of the Courts of the jurisdiction where the documents are to be served. Although it is a very cumbersome and time consuming procedure, it is required by the Mexican government.  We will handle everything for you.     

It is important to note that Mexico currently attempts to place various roadblocks to delay service upon their citizens and business entities.  We stay on top of the latest developments to insure that all current requirements are met.  However, if Mexico imposes future additional requirements after the service assignment has been received by them, additional charges will be required to satisfy their demands.  Note:  This is the only Hague Service Convention nation which continually violates the provisions of the treaty and attempts to violate their obligations under the treaty.

Upon receipt of your assignment, we will prepare Letters Rogatory and return them to you for issuance by the Clerk of your local Court.  You will return them to us and we will arrange for translation, as well as translation of the service documents. Again, documents to be served in accordance with this method must be translated into the official language, Spanish.  The Service will be completed via the Central Authority, which itself arranges for service by methods prescribed in Mexico.  The time frame can range from 3 to 5 months (recently 3 months).  This is the only recognized method of service in Mexico.

INFORMAL SERVICE
Service by private process server is an option, although not recognized by the government of Mexico. Even though such service will result in a U.S. judgment, it will not be enforceable in Mexico. The time frame is approximately 4 weeks.

TRANSLATIONS
Most countries require the documents to be translated into the official language of the nation where they are to be served (in this case, Spanish).  Translation is required if the Formal method is used, and recommended if the Informal method is used. It is possible, although rare, that a demurer could be filed based upon lack of understanding by the defendant as to the nature and meaning of un-translated documents. We offer translation services at rates quoted below.

RATES

declarations:  We provide formal declarations on the status of service upon request, as required by your court, at no additional charge.  We subscribe to the U.S. Department of State weekly up-dates on international service of process and the Central Intelligence Agency briefings on social conditions abroad and  monitor problems in nations that might affect the completion of the service. Estimated time for completion of service is subject to change depending on current conditions.

WARNING:  Beware of companies that quote suspiciously low rates.  They often come back later with an excuse for an additional charge.  Our rates are firm for one address quoted.  Other companies are actually brokerage firms or website developers, not process service agencies, who farm out assignments to companies that are not knowledgeable or qualified on international service of process.

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained herein is provided for general information only and may not be accurate at the time of service in a particular case or country.  Questions involving specific services should be directed to our office.  Care should be exercised in choosing the method of service (formal/informal) if eventual enforcement of a U.S. judgment is anticipated in the country where the documents are to be served.  No legal advice is intended in the statements contained herein.  Assignments for international service of process are accepted on the basis that the assigning law firm has researched all applicable laws.  Process Service Network and its agents assume no liability for its actions in the course of any phase of the service of process assignment.