Mexico Debt Collection Guide
Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in Mexico. Verify local court rules before filing.
Court
Commercial court path - Juicio Ejecutivo Mercantil
Filing Fee
Varies by court, state, and claim; check the competent court fee schedule
Claim Limit
No small-claims cap; this path depends on an enforceable commercial debt instrument
Timeline
2-6 months
Filing Instructions
- 1Confirm the debt is supported by a document that qualifies as an enforceable commercial instrument
- 2Prepare a demanda ejecutiva mercantil with the original instrument and supporting evidence
- 3File before the competent commercial/civil court with jurisdiction over the defendant or transaction
- 4If admitted, the court orders formal notice and payment demand through an actuario
- 5The debtor may pay, oppose, or answer under the Commercial Code procedure
- 6If the creditor proves the enforceable title, proceed to judgment and enforcement
Required Forms
- - Demanda ejecutiva mercantil
- - Original enforceable debt instrument
- - Identification and supporting evidence
Service Rules
Formal notice is served by an actuario or authorized court officer under the competent court's procedure.
Legal Basis
Codigo de Comercio, Articles 1391-1414
Enforcement Options
- - Embargo (seizure of assets)
- - Wage garnishment
- - Bank account freeze
- - Property lien
Important Notes
This guide is intentionally narrowed to documented commercial debts that can proceed by juicio ejecutivo mercantil. It is not a generic Mexico small-claims guide, and it is not the right path for every unpaid invoice, consumer dispute, or informal private debt.
Start with a demand letter
Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.
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