Marriage and civil unions represent one of the most important legal and personal commitments in a person’s life. Beyond love and companionship, these unions also create a framework of legal rights and responsibilities — from property and inheritance to family and migration matters.
At Legal Representation Mexico, we help both Mexican nationals and foreign residents understand how the law applies to their marriage or civil partnership, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected before, during, and — if necessary — after the union.
Marriage vs. Civil Union
In Mexico, marriage and civil union (or civil partnership) are both legally recognized forms of family relationships, though they differ in certain legal effects depending on the state.
Marriage: A legally binding union between two individuals, granting full rights related to property, inheritance, health care decisions, and family matters.
Civil Union: A legal partnership recognized in several Mexican states, designed to protect the rights of couples (including same-sex couples) who choose not to marry but wish to formalize their relationship.
Both arrangements create mutual obligations of support, respect, and cohabitation, but they can have different implications for issues such as property ownership, adoption, and tax treatment.
Key Legal Aspects
When entering into a marriage or civil union in Mexico, it is important to understand:
Property Regime: Couples may choose between sociedad conyugal (joint ownership) or separación de bienes(separate property). This decision affects how assets and debts are managed.
Prenuptial or Coexistence Agreements: Legal documents that establish property rights, financial responsibilities, and other terms of the relationship.
Rights and Benefits: Including inheritance rights, access to medical decisions, spousal support, and immigration benefits for foreign partners.
Dissolution: Whether through divorce or termination of the civil union, legal procedures are required to divide property and resolve support or custody matters.
Foreign Residents and Binational Couples
For foreigners or mixed-nationality couples, additional legal steps may be necessary:
Document legalization or apostille for foreign documents.
Translation by a certified translator (perito traductor).
Migration notifications to ensure legal residency rights are maintained.
Recognition abroad: Ensuring the marriage or civil union performed in Mexico is valid in your home country.
Our firm frequently assists expats, dual nationals, and cross-border couples with all legal aspects of marriage and civil partnerships in Mexico.
How We Can Help
At Legal Representation Mexico, we provide:
Legal advice before marriage or civil union registration.
Preparation and review of prenuptial or cohabitation agreements.
Assistance with property regime selection and registration.
Divorce and dissolution representation.
Cross-border recognition and immigration guidance.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help couples establish and protect their legal rights through clear, honest, and personalized legal guidance. Whether you are planning to marry, formalize a partnership, or need help resolving a legal matter arising from a union, we are here to support you with professionalism and confidentiality.