Legal Services in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
Comprehensive Property and Business Legal Support for national and internacional investors
At Lighthouse, we provide specialized legal services for property investments and business ventures throughout the Riviera Maya.
Legal Services for Real Estate & Business
Your Partner for Property Transactions and Corporate Operations
At Lighthouse, we specialize in legal services that support both property investments and business ventures in the Riviera Maya. Our attorneys handle corporate formation, contract drafting, due diligence, fiduciary bank trusts (fideicomisos), escrow coordination, tax compliance, and real estate closings. Whether you’re purchasing property, launching a company, or ensuring regulatory compliance, we safeguard your interests and make every step legally sound.
Our Legal Services
Beyond our core real estate and corporate offerings, we provide a range of complementary services to simplify your investment journey.
- Corporate/Business Services: Formation of Mexican corporations (S.A., S. de R.L.), board meeting minutes, permits and filings.
- Due Diligence: Title searches, verification of deeds, property tax status and liens.
- Tax Law & Accounting: Guidance on capital gains and sales tax exemptions during due diligence.
- Escrow Services: Neutral third‑party escrow accounts to securely hold funds until all conditions are met.
- Real Estate Closings: Full coordination of title transfers, notarial deeds and documentation.
- Power of Attorney & Translations: Representation for absentee clients and certified document translations.
Lawyers in Playa del Carmen
Why Choose Lighthouse
Transparent, Fixed Fees
No surprises, clear pricing and detailed legal scopes from day one.
Personal Advice
Fast responses and bilingual support. We guarantee a reply within 24 business hours and communicate fluently in English and Spanish, ensuring you’re never left waiting or wondering.
360° Legal Protection
Comprehensive due diligence & closing support. Our team conducts thorough title searches, verifies deeds, checks taxes and liens, sets up fideicomisos and coordinates escrow and notarial closings to safeguard your investment,
How We Support You
Brief, bilingual guidance for secure property transactions in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and across the Riviera Maya.
- Personalised Briefing – We explain every step, timeline and legal requirement.
- Thorough Due Diligence – Title search, deed validation, tax & lien checks.
- Tax & Fiscal Review – Assess seller’s fiscal status and eligibility for capital‑gains exemptions.
- Escrow Coordination – Open and manage a third‑party escrow account to secure funds.
- Fideicomiso & Corporate Setup – Establish bank trusts and corporations to legally own property.
- Closing & Notary Services – Prepare and review notarial deeds and register the transaction.
What Our Service Includes
A Mexico real estate attorney manages the key legal work from offer to deed to protect your investment.
- Corporate Formation – Draft bylaws, file permits, maintain minutes and keep your corporation compliant.
- Real Estate Legal Review – Draft or review purchase contracts, promises of sale and powers of attorney.
- Due Diligence Reports – Provide written reports on property status and legal findings, advising whether to proceed.
- Fideicomiso & Trust Management – Apply for bank trusts, obtain government authorization and renew when needed.
- Escrow & Funds Disbursement – Coordinate escrow account opening and fund release upon fulfilment of contract conditions.
- Tax Law Advisory – Explain capital gains and sales tax obligations; design strategies to optimize tax liabilities.
FAQs
What legal services do you offer in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya?
We focus on corporate formation, property due diligence, fideicomisos (bank trusts) for foreign buyers, escrow services, tax law and complete real estate closings.
Why is due diligence so important in Mexico?
Due diligence ensures that the seller is the true owner, verifies valid deeds, checks property taxes, and confirms the property is free of liens and encumbrances . Without it, buyers risk legal disputes and unexpected liabilities.
What is a fideicomiso and when do I need one?
A fideicomiso is a bank trust that allows foreigners to purchase property in Mexico’s restricted zones (within 50 km of the coast and 100 km of borders) . A Mexican bank holds the title while you retain full rights to use, rent, modify, sell and bequeath the property.
How does escrow work in Mexico?
An escrow account is a neutral third‑party holding funds until all conditions of the purchase contract are met . It protects both buyer and seller and reduces fraud risk.
Can you help set up a corporation to buy property?
Yes. We establish Mexican corporations (S.A., S. de R.L.) and handle filings, permits and annual compliance, allowing foreigners to own property anywhere in Mexico via corporate shares.
What taxes should I expect when purchasing or selling property?
Buyers incur notary fees, registration costs and trust setup fees, while sellers may owe capital gains tax. Our due diligence includes reviewing the seller’s fiscal situation and verifying exemptions for capital gains and sales taxes.
Our Team
Partners at Lighthouse
Javier Contreras Nieto
CEO / Principal Attorney - Real Estate Law Specialist
After finishing law school, my journey commenced in various notary offices across Mexico City, where I had the honor of collaborating with esteemed banks like Santander and BBVA. Team primary focus was bridge financing for national and international investment projects, including renowned ventures and FIBRA -supported initiatives.
Expanding my expertise, I ventured into the mortgage sector, serving financial institutions such as Banorte, Scotiabank, and BanBajío. Here, I took charge of title transfers for diverse real estate developments, prioritizing exceptional service standards.
A significant highlight was collaborating in the vertical housing sector, engaging in every aspect from land acquisition and fiduciary services to anti-money laundering compliance, construction contracts, credit acquisition, and comprehensive title coordination for the entire development.
Shane Mullholland
Serial Entrepreneur and Business Manager
I am an experienced serial entrepreneur in the US and Mexico, with a deep understanding of the Playa del Carmen business landscape.
With over 28 years of entrepreneurial success and a proven track record in opening, operating and scaling businesses, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
24 years ago, my journey took left turn when I acquired Tequila Barrel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Recognizing the need for local expertise, I enlisted the assistance of an astute individual who helped me navigate the intricacies of the local business environment and overcome operational challenges. Drawing upon my previous experiences and strategic vision, I transformed Tequila Barrel into a thriving and iconic landmark establishment of Playa del Carmen.
Now, with Lighthouse Real Estate and Legal Services, my mission is to share the wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
Belinda Contreras
Director of Operations
Alicia Ledesma
Lawyer specializing in the notarial, real estate, and tax sectors
Nadia Garrido
Lawyer specializing in civil, commercial, labor and administrative law
Karime Martinez
Lawyer
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