Making a will in Mexico: why it matters if you own property

Making a will in Mexico is one of the simplest and most important steps for anyone who owns a house, a condo or land. Without a will, your family will have to go through an intestate estate, which is usually longer, more expensive and can create disputes.

What is a public will?

It is the will signed before a Mexican notary. The notary verifies your identity and capacity, writes down your wishes and reports it to the national will registry, so your heirs can easily find it.

Advantages of having a will

• You decide who receives each asset.
• You can appoint an executor you trust.
• The estate can be handled before a notary if the heirs agree.
• It avoids the cost and time of a court case.

What about foreigners?

If you are a foreigner with assets in Mexico, it is wise to make a Mexican will for those assets, even if you already have one at home. If your property is held in a bank trust, you can also name substitute beneficiaries in the trust itself; we recommend making sure both documents are consistent.

What happens without a will?

The law defines who inherits: spouse, children, parents and other relatives. If the heirs are adults and agree, the intestate estate can be handled before a notary; otherwise it must go to court.

September, will month

Every September many notaries offer reduced fees to make a will. It is a good time to make or update yours.

Conclusion

A well-made will in Mexico is the clearest way to protect your family and your property. We help you prepare it and, when the time comes, handle the estate in an orderly way.