International Service of Process In Mexico

International service of process in Mexico can be completed through both formal method of the Hague Service Convention as well as the informal method of service via agent. 

PROCESS SERVICE IN MEXICO UNDER THE HAGUE CONVENTION

International service of process in Mexico can be completed through the Hague Convention, which Mexico acceded to on November 2, 1999 and entered its provisions into force on June 1, 2000. 

Mexico does not allow service through postal channels as it has objected to Article 10 of the Hague Service Convention and service through any alternate channels is not permitted.

The specific articles opposed to by Mexico include:

• Article 8(2)
• Article 10 in its entirety 

If you are looking to serve a subpoena, that cannot be served under the Hague Service Convention and would instead need to be served through the Hague Evidence Convention. See Serving a Subpoena Under the Hague Convention for more information. 

Translation of Documents 

Under Article 5, Mexico requires all documents that are served in a language other than Spanish must be accompanied by a Spanish translation. 

The process for service under the Hague Convention in Mexico

The proper forms and payment are sent to the Central Authority in Mexico. Once the documents are sent to the Central Authority, you will not receive any updates until the proof of service or non-service is sent back to your office. 

For more information on what to expect during service under the Hague Convention, take a look at International Service of Process Under the Hague Convention. 

PROCESS SERVICE NOTES: MEXICO

Despite being right across the border, Mexico has one of the longest timelines under the Hague Service Convention and there are consistent delays during service. They are especially strict with their requirements and oftentimes may reject documents for new, previously unknown reasons. We work to stay on top of these latest developments in order to ensure your documents are served as effectively and quickly as possible. 

INFORMAL SERVICE OF PROCESS IN MEXICO

Service via an agent is also an option, although it will not be recognized by the government of Mexico. Judgements made in the United States can not be enforced in Mexico. 

Service via agent can provide an alternate where judgments will need to be enforced, especially as the timeline is much shorter and the cost considerably less than service through the Hague Convention. 

SERVING COURT DOCUMENTS IN MEXICO

Service of process in Mexico, despite their participation in the Hague Service Convention, is more difficult than in many other countries who are signatories. It’s critical to ensure all documents and translations are handled correctly in order to avoid loss of time and increased costs. When serving in Mexico, be sure to go through the appropriate channels depending on the case and your anticipated outcome.

The staff of DGR Legal are not lawyers, nor is our organization a law firm. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Rather, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.