Procedures
A new national code replacing 32 state procedures
The National Code of Civil and Family Procedure was published in June 2023 and unifies what were separate procedures in every state, with a staged rollout to 2027. It introduces oral hearings, electronic filing and case management to civil and family litigation.
Key rules
- The code is being adopted state by state; until a state's decree takes effect its old code still governs.
- Oral hearings become the norm, with written pleadings limited to the opening stage.
- Electronic service and digital case files are formally recognised.
- Amparo directo remains available against a final judgment, which keeps federal courts as a de facto further tier.
- Enforcement of foreign judgments requires homologación, and reciprocity is assessed by the court.
Governing law
- Código Nacional de Procedimientos Civiles y Familiares (DOF 7 June 2023)Unified civil and family procedure.
- Código Federal de Procedimientos CivilesApplies to federal civil matters pending transition.
In practice
Check which code is in force in the relevant state before calculating any deadline — during the transition the two regimes coexist. Powers of attorney granted abroad need apostille and certified translation.