SELECTING AN ATTORNEY

Use your judgment when choosing Real Estate in Costa Rica . Make sure the realtor you are talking to is knowledgeable about Real Estate in Costa Rica and interested in what you want not their commission! One thing to keep in mind is that you don't need to have a license in Costa Rica to sell Real Estate, so some people try to become realtors with little or no knowledge to help you find the Real Estate that best suits your needs. This isn't saying that you have to be paranoid about talking to realtors in Costa Rica as many of them are good people doing their best to find the best Real Estate for their clients, just saying use your common sense!

GET A LAWYER!!! Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica can be extremely tricky and potentially dangerous without having a good lawyer. The US Embassy has made a list of what they think are good lawyers in Costa Rica . We strongly recommend you read over our Costa Rica Real Estate Laws section to get a good idea of how things work when buying Real Estate in Costa Rica . This will also help you know if a lawyer is trying to give you the run around.

In Costa Rica most attorneys are notaries public. As a matter of fact, in many instances attorneys' and notaries' public functions intertwine. This means that your attorney can draft instruments, wills and conveyances, and later acknowledge the authenticity of those documents. He/she can also witness your identity and legal capacity to sign them.

In any case, before you decide which attorney to retain, determine whether the attorney is fluent in English and ask for a written estimate of his fees, including a detailed description of the work to be performed. Do not pay until you are satisfied that your attorney understands your case and is willing to handle it. Always ask for a receipt signed by your attorney.

Assistance of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at San Jose

Should your association with a Costa Rican attorney prove unsatisfactory, a U.S. Consular Office may, if requested, contact the attorney to facilitate communication. In addition, repetitive complaints against an attorney who appears on the Consular Section's List of Attorneys can result in the removal of the name from the list. If you have a complaint against an attorney on the list, please notify the Consular Section immediately, at 220-3939, extension 2453. The Consular Section can also advise you how to file a complaint with the local bar association, including complaints about fees.

Coordination with Counsel in the U.S.

American attorneys cannot represent your interests in Costa Rica except through local counsel. American attorneys experienced in international law may, however, be helpful in explaining the complex international issues involved in your case. Some American attorneys may have associates, partners or correspondents in Costa Rica to whom they can refer you.