Your Next Armchair Destination is Mexico City; International Deposition Hotspot Series

Karen Fahr - May 26, 2020

Our next digital escape is a journey through Mexico City. Let’s learn more about this historic city and why it’s an international hotspot for depositions.

Rules & Regulations on Taking Voluntary Depositions in Mexico

Can you depose a willing witness in Mexico? Yes, taking U.S. depositions in Mexico is permissible, however there are restrictions:

  • Voluntary depositions of U.S. citizen witnesses may be conducted in Mexico regardless of the nationality of the witness, provided no compulsion is used.
  • Voluntary depositions of Mexican and third country nationals require prior permission from the Mexican Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Mexico.html:

Voluntary depositions of U.S. citizen witnesses may be conducted in Mexico regardless of the nationality of the witness, provided no compulsion is used. Voluntary depositions of Mexican and third country nationals require prior permission from the Mexican Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention. Oral depositions or depositions on written questions may be taken on notice by U.S. consular officers or by private attorneys from the United States or Mexico at the U.S. Embassy, one of the U.S. Consulates or at another location such as a hotel or office. If the services of a U.S. consular officer are required to administer an oath to the witness, interpreter and stenographer, such arrangements must be made in advance with the U.S. embassy directly.

Remote Deposition Options

Remote depositions allow you to conduct your depo without the cost or hassle of traveling to the witness in Mexico.

There are two options for conducting your remote deposition:

  • Court Reporter with the Witness – One of our local court reporters will travel to the location of the witness and capture a verbatim record of the proceeding while the attorneys attend remotely.
  • Court Reporter NOT with the Witness – The witness, court reporter, and attorneys are all in separate locations. Our certified and trained court reporters will capture a verbatim record of the proceeding using our state-of-the-art technology from a remote location.

Mexico Deposition Basics

How early should you plan?
Give yourself about 4 weeks to plan. The further you plan ahead, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to locate and book the right locally-based professional for your deposition.

Are there local resources (ie: court reporters, legal videographers) in Mexico?
Yes! We have locally-based court reporters in Mexico, which means minimal travel costs for you.

Need to schedule an international deposition in Mexico? Optima Juris is the leading firm covering U.S. depos in Mexico. We are happy to assist and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at: depos@optimajuris.com, or visit our informational quote request page for Mexico at: https://optimajuris.com/court-reporter-mexico/

Follow us on social media for news, advice, info, and tips about international court reporters, interpreters, and language services:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optima-juris
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optimajuris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optimajuris