The Gringo Guide to México – Estate Planning is not a book that explains the law in México and how it will apply if a foreign national dies in México, as I am not licensed to practice law in México. It was written to provide a road map for those foreign nationals who want to plan for their inevitable death, taking into consideration it may well happen in México.

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The book discusses issues that may arise during a foreign national’s last illness and options that may be available. The book explains the role of U.S. and Canadian consular agents when foreign nationals die within their jurisdiction. The book talks about what the next-of-kin must do and decisions they must make. It also discusses common law marriages and how many Mexican states deal with this issue. It addresses property issues and raises the question of where the will of foreign national must be probated.

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The Gringo Guide to México – Estate Planning reviews how unknown differences in common law, which is followed in both the U.S. and Canada, and the civil law, which México follows, can directly, and often adversely, affect the desires of a foreign national who dies in México.

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Foreign nationals owe it to themselves and their next-of-kin to make sure that what they think will happen following their death in México is not thwarted by unexpected issues and unknown Mexican laws.

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All foreign nationals want their surviving loved ones to go through the least amount of consternation and anxiety as possible, as they are left with the chore of settling the foreign national’s estate. This book provides the road map to ensure that happens.