Notarial practice vests the most important acts and contracts of your personal life and your business with public faith (fe pública). In Costa Rica, which follows the civil-law (Latin) notarial system, a notary public is an attorney authorized by the State to draft and authorize public deeds with full legal effect. At the firm, attorney Dowglas Murillo, a notary public since 1997, drafts and authorizes your documents and follows them through to registration in the National Registry (Registro Nacional).
What we do for you
- Sales and transfers of real estate and vehicles.
- Mortgages and pledges (hipotecas and prendas), both standard and open-ended, and their cancellation.
- Powers of attorney: general, general-unlimited (generalísimo) and special.
- Incorporation and amendment of companies, minutes, appointments and statutory corporate books.
- Open (public) wills.
- Sworn statements, signature authentications and certifications.
- Non-contentious proceedings before a notary, such as probate, where the law allows it and there is no dispute among the interested parties.
How we work
- We review your documents and the registry search before signing.
- We clearly explain the scope of what you are about to sign.
- We file the deed with the National Registry and keep you informed until it is recorded.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a deed of sale?
Generally: valid identification documents for all parties, the property registration number (finca) or vehicle plate number, an up-to-date registry search, and the agreed price. When you book your appointment, we will give you the exact list for your case.
Can you assist people who live outside San Carlos or outside Costa Rica?
Yes. We coordinate the preparation of documents by video call, and the appearance for signing, in accordance with Costa Rican notarial regulations.
Is a Costa Rican notary the same as a notary public in the United States?
No. A Costa Rican notary public is a civil-law notary: an attorney with an additional notarial qualification who drafts and authorizes public deeds vested with public faith, which have full evidentiary value and are recorded in the National Registry. A U.S. notary public generally is not an attorney and mainly witnesses signatures and administers oaths.
How much does a public deed cost?
Notarial fees are governed by the official fee schedule and depend on the type of transaction and its amount. Stamp duties and, for property transfers, the applicable transfer tax are added to that. Before signing, we give you the full breakdown in writing.
What type of power of attorney do I need?
It depends on what your attorney-in-fact will do: a special power (poder especial) covers a specific act, such as selling a property; a general power (poder general) covers the management of assets; and a general power of attorney with full authority (poder generalísimo) allows acting on your behalf in almost all matters. We help you choose the one that gives you the right protection.
This information is general and is no substitute for an analysis of your specific case. Every matter is assessed individually during a consultation.