Costa Rica Expertise LLC

Crooks are getting smarter

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

A good detective can catch crooks in Costa Rica. The court now voids contracts, deeds, documents and deceptive acts more than before based on mere indications and clues of wrongdoing. Good thing too, because day by day the wicked get worse and believe that they can get away with anything here.

Even expats get caught up in stealing property and other assets that are not theirs because they believe they will not get caught by the law. It is true the judicial system is slow and inefficient at times, but it is equally true the country is striving to make it better.

Legal issues in Costa Rica involving theft and fraud usually form a triangle of players: the victim or plaintiff, the defendant and a third party. For example, in property fraud, the victim represents the true owner, the defendant is the crook, and the third party the person who bought land from the crook.

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Technique opens up other sources for cash
By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Can a person or an institution lend money anywhere in the world in any currency and tie up assets here? The answer is yes, and to do so is not hard but a little technical.

Many foreigners would like to buy property in Costa Rica but do not have any credit in this country. Or they would prefer to work with their lender back home.

As the world shrinks, some lenders are looking for ways to lend money to real estate buyers in Costa Rica. But they do not know how to register a security interest here.

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The ultimate mediation and arbitration
. . . Paul mediates while Peter selects destination

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Q. What is the difference between a good priest and Peter at the Pearly Gates?

A. One is a mediator and the other is an arbitrator.

Most people do not know they can pick their own arbitrator in Costa Rica if they know what they are doing.

A mediator is a person who can assist two or more persons to come to an agreement but has no decision power one way or the other if they do not.

An arbitrator moderates disputes but in the end can make a decision as to who wins and who loses.

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Procuraduría General Web Site

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Going to get into a legal fight in Costa Rica? Here is a great resource and it's free.

Most people do not know about the incredible Web site of La Procuraduría General de la República, the Attorney General’s office of Costa Rica. This authority is the superior juridical organ and public administration technician for the country. The attorneys of the Procuraduría represent the country in legal matters when affairs of the state are at stake.

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Law gives the public a weapon against delay

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Have you ever felt helpless in front of a government office in Costa Rica? There are ways you can fight back.

Costa Rica currently has approximately 200 public institutions. They are probably the No. 1 cause of frustration for those living in this country.

The number of requirements to most procedures seems sometimes like a never-ending story, turning even simple requests into huge challenges.

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