All Notaries Are Lawyers But… Not all Lawyers are Notaries. Free introductory video with Attorney Rick Philps.
The legal system in Costa Rica is based upon the Civil or Napoleonic Law System, which exists in all of the countries throughout Latin America, unlike the United States and Canada, where English Common Law prevails.
In Costa Rica, a Notary is required to transfer the title to property registered in the National Registry, along with the certification of copies of documents and signatures.
All Notaries are Lawyers, but not all Lawyers are Notaries. Notaries are required to complete a post-graduate degree in Notary and Registry Law, and must be a Lawyer and an active member of the College of Lawyers for at least two years, prior to becoming a Notary.
Lawyers and Notaries practicing in Costa Rica, are required to be licensed professionals with the Costa Rica College of Lawyers [Colegio de Abogados], and in the case of Notaries, admitted by the National Direction of Notaries [Direccion Nacional Notariado], and their credentials may be checked by name or incorporation number, via the Internet at: www.abogados.or.cr
To rent or buy this 54 minute video with Costa Rica Attorney Roger Petersen please visit our Video On Demand page here.
Lawyers and Notaries in Costa Rica are held financially accountable for misrepresentation and/or negligence, and in addition, may be subject to disciplinary proceedings, for unethical or improper conduct.
Legal fees charged by Lawyers and Notaries for real estate transactions, are based upon a tariff published by the College of Lawyers, and roughly translates to between 1% and 1.25% of the purchase price of the property.
National Registry fees and Property Transfer Taxes are also payable to the Costa Rica Government, at the time of the completion of the real estate transaction.
While a single Notary will normally prepare, attend on the execution of, and register the transfer deed on behalf of both a Buyer and a Seller, it is recommended that a Buyer retain an independent Lawyer from the Seller’s, to negotiate the terms of any real estate transaction on their behalf.
Costa Rica Attorney Rick Philps & Attorney Roger Petersen.
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Written by Lic. Rick Philps. Richard (Rick) Philps is a Canadian citizen, naturalized as a citizen of Costa Rica. He was born, raised, and educated in Victoria, British Columbia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1977, and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (English Common Law) in 1980, from the University of Victoria. He thereafter practiced law in Victoria, as a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, for fourteen years, prior to moving to Costa Rica in 1998.
Costa Rica Attorney Rick Philps & Attorney Roger Petersen.
To speak with Attorney Rick Philps and Attorney Roger Petersen about hiring them as your Costa Rica attorneys, please contact them using the information below:
Escazu, San José, Costa Rica
Tel: 506-2288-2189 Ext. 101 or 2288-6228 Ext. 101
You can email Attorney Roger Petersen by clicking here.
You can visit the Petersen and Philps Law Offices Website here.
You can visit the CostaRicaLaw website here.
Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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