- San José, Costa Rica
Maria José MEDINA REAL
Certified Specialist Lawyer in Civil and Family Law | Notary | Criminologist
with Know-how, creativity + practical experience
Tailor-made residency solutions, Citizenship & Asset protection
Advice. Litigation. Representation.
Immigration Expert
Admitted to practice before all courts
Bar Association and Notary Chamber Member 29756
SUGEF IPO 2023-08609 Articles 15 and 15 bis. Notary deposit account (escrow) administration
This is how I support you in Costa Rica
The goal is to minimize risks, improve practices and prevent disputes and lawsuits
Immigration Law
As a seasoned immigration expert, I guide you safely through the entire migration process—from initial assessment to successful approval.
Services:
• Residency and visa applications (investor, retiree, pensioner, and other categories)
• Renewals and status changes
• Family reunification
• Representation before immigration authorities
Family Law
As a family law attorney, I provide discreet support for sensitive family matters.
Services:
• Divorce and separation
• Custody and child support
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Domestic partnership agreements
Civil & Contract Law
As a civil litigation attorney, I help you structure and enforce your legal rights with confidence.
Services:
• Construction contract review
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Debt collection and claims enforcement
• Dispute resolution and settlement negotiations
Notary Services
As a notary attorney, I assist you with all notarial matters under Costa Rican law.
Services:
• Notary escrow accounts
• Real estate and vehicle purchase agreements
• Property subdivisions and title transfers
• Business formation and incorporation
• Preparation and review of notarial documents (wills, trusts)
• Powers of attorney and authentications
Real Estate Law
When buying or selling real estate in Costa Rica, thorough legal review is essential.
Services:
• Purchase and sale agreement review
• Legal due diligence and title searches
• All types of real estate transactions
• Coordination of property inspections and appraisals
All Practice Areas at a Glance
Immigration law
Real estate law
Notarial & registry law
Inheritance law
Family law
Civil law
Administrative law
Constitutional law
Public law
How We Work Together
1
Initial Contact & Consultation
You reach out and describe your legal matter. We clarify your situation and the applicable legal framework.
2
Analysis & Tailored Strategy
We analyze the legal situation in detail, and you receive an assessment of the prospects for success along with concrete recommendations for action.
3
Implementation & Support
We handle the necessary steps, including communication with authorities, courts, and contractual parties.
4
Completion & Ongoing Support
After your matter is concluded, we remain available for follow-up questions, subsequent processes, or additional legal issues.
About Me
Dynamic - Efficient - Committed
Born into a modest, loving, and strong family in Nicaragua, now a naturalized Costa Rican.
From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of promoting sustainable development, preserving and protecting the environment, and advancing social progress.
Human wellbeing and education are fundamental pillars in my life.
This upbringing shaped me into a conscious, committed, reliable, and independent person, with quick comprehension skills and the ability to lead teams assertively and respectfully.
My academic achievements and accumulated experience enable me to handle management tasks with composure and clarity, even in “unusual moments and turbulent situations.”
What Sets Me Apart
My professional standards do not end with academic titles
Continuous education, specialized seminars, and legal conferences ensure that my knowledge remains aligned with current legal developments. The law is constantly evolving — and only those who continue to advance their expertise can represent clients with the competence, precision, and responsibility they deserve.
Werdegang
Als jahrelange Vertragsanwältin für den
UNHCR Hochkommissar der Vereinten Nationen für Flüchtlinge,
fokussiert auf Einwanderung, habe ich Rechtsstreitigkeiten in Sachen Einwanderungsrecht, öffentliches Recht, Arbeitsrecht, Familienrecht und Verfassungsrecht weitest reichende Erfahrungen sammeln dürfen.
In der Strategieberatung, wird oft als strategische Beratung oder Boardroom–Beratung
bezeichnet und ist eines der hochwertigsten und angesehensten Segmente in der
Branche für professionelle Dienstleistungen, lernte ich Managementaufgaben erfolgreich zu bewältigen.
Ich bin stolze Mitbegründerin von
LEGAL coop. costa rica +++ Fachanwälte | Notare | Steuerberatung +++
erste Genossenschaft von Rechtsanwälten und Notaren in Costa Rica, mit dem Ziel Rechtsdienstleistungen von höchster Qualität anzubieten.
Die Gründung hat mit unserem Engagement für das Land und der Überzeugung zu tun, daß Costa Rica weiter voran muß und uns deshalb immer motiviert, weiterhin zum Aufbau eines gerechteren und ausgeglichenerem Costa Rica beizutragen.
Im Mittelpunkt steht der Klient mit seinen Interessen und in Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Firmen und Unternehmen biete ich ein breites Spektrum an Dienstleistungen, in einem Team von hochqualifizierten, effizienten, erfolgsorientierten Fachkräften mit umfassender lokaler und internationaler Erfahrung
für Rechts-, Verwaltungs- und Ermittlungsverfahren unterstützend an, welche die Gesetze von
Costa Rica
in einem lokalen kulturellen und kommerziellen Kontext verstehen.
Costa Rica… leben | arbeiten | investieren. So einfach wie möglich.
Experience
With years of experience as contract counsel for associations and international organizations on migration matters, I’ve developed extensive expertise in immigration law, administrative law, employment law, family law, and constitutional law.
Through LEGAL co/op costa rica, I offer comprehensive legal services with a team of highly qualified professionals who bring both local and international experience. We understand Costa Rican law within its cultural and commercial context—essential knowledge for foreign clients navigating a new legal system.
Education
• Doctor of Law Candidate
Public and Constitutional Law
• Certified Specialist Lawyer in Family Law
• Certified Specialist Lawyer in Civil Law
• Criminologist
• Notary Public
Notarial and Registry Law …with honors
• Attorney
Juris Doctor (JD) …with honors
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
Law degree
Ehrenamt
• Police Officer in the Reserves
Ministry of Homeland
• Board Member
Fundación Bosque Mundial de la Paz (World Peace Forest Foundation)
• Pro Bono Work
providing free legal services to nonprofit organizations and individuals in matters of public interest
I am a proud co-founder of
LEGAL co/op costa rica
ATTORNEYS NOTARIES TAX CONSULTANCY
... the first cooperative of attorneys and notaries in Costa Rica, with the mission of providing legal services of the highest quality.
Its founding reflects our commitment to the country and our belief that Costa Rica
must continue to progress, which motivates us to keep contributing to the
development of a fairer and more balanced Costa Rica.
Whether as an:
Attorney, specialist attorney, notary, private investigator, or legal assistant.
Positions are in San José and nationwide.
Interested?
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
Contact
COSTA RICA
Direct contact +506 8520 3939 WApp Tel 2520 0303 Fax 2296 6363
Address:
San José, Uruca. 50m Este del parqueo del hotel Barceló.
Mano izquierda. Portones rojos. LEGAL co/op Building.
Conveniently located across from the 4-star Barceló Hotel,
in a quiet residential area of Uruca, a district of San José.
Situated just 13 km from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO also known as El Coco)
and 5 km from downtown San José, with excellent accessibility to the city’s main
business centers, shopping districts, and leisure areas.
Our strategic location combines professional convenience with a calm and private environment,
making it ideal for serving both local and international clients.
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 506 - 1007 San José
SWITZERLAND
4106 Therwil, Baumgartenweg 10 Tel +41 077 944 6947
Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. By appointment only.
Friday to Sunday Closed. Because if you are constantly available, you will become unreachable to yourself.
Digital Business Card
Costa Rica… Your key to quality living & profitable returns
2024-2026 María José Medina Real. All rights reserved.