Ecuadorians Abroad
We handle legal matters in Ecuador for compatriots living overseas, acting under a power of attorney and coordinating remotely whenever the matter allows it.
Situations we handle
Matters left unresolved in Ecuador
Living in another country does not suspend the obligations, rights or proceedings that continue in Ecuador. These are the matters most frequently raised with us by those residing abroad.
Representation by power of attorney
We advise on granting a general or special power of attorney before a notary or before the corresponding Ecuadorian consulate, so that your matter can be handled in the country without your physical presence, where the nature of the procedure allows it.
Family matters
Visitation arrangements, parental authority, custody, recognition of parentage and other family matters, always considering the best interests of the child and the particular circumstances of a family separated by distance.
Child support
We assist both the party claiming support and the party required to provide it: setting, increasing, reducing and settling payments, and reviewing proceedings already under way, according to the facts and the evidence available.
Divorce and civil status
We analyse the procedural route applicable to your case, including divorces where one party resides outside the country, as well as registrations, corrections and updates before the Civil Registry.
Successions and inheritance
Effective possession, inventories, division of inherited assets and disputes among heirs, including representation of those who cannot travel to Ecuador for the required steps.
Property and real estate
Purchases and sales, deeds, title review, leases, possession disputes and registry or municipal procedures relating to property located in the country.
Documents, apostille and consular procedures
We advise on obtaining certificates, civil registry records and other Ecuadorian documents, as well as on apostille, legalization and procedures that must be carried out before the consulate of your jurisdiction.
Ongoing court proceedings
We review the actual status of a case already under way, the deadlines still open and the steps that remain possible, and we take on representation when you decide to appoint or change counsel.
Criminal matters
We attend to enquiries about criminal proceedings, warrants and requirements affecting Ecuadorians living abroad or their relatives in the country, beginning with an analysis of the case file.
How we work at a distance
What to expect from the first contact
We arrange remote consultations taking into account the time difference in the country where you live. In most matters travelling to Ecuador is generally not required, although this always has to be confirmed for the specific procedure involved.
Remote consultation
You write to us with a general description of the matter and we agree on a video or telephone call at a time compatible with your time zone, without sending confidential documents at this stage.
Analysis of the matter
We review the background, the status of the procedure or proceeding in Ecuador, and determine which actions are possible, in what order and within which deadlines.
Power of attorney and documents
We indicate what type of power of attorney is called for and how it may be granted before a notary in your country of residence or before the Ecuadorian consulate, along with the documents that may need apostille or legalization.
Handling and follow-up
We take on the necessary steps in Ecuador and keep you informed of developments through whichever channel you prefer, explaining each stage in plain language.
Frequent questions
What clients abroad usually ask us
Do I have to travel to Ecuador to deal with my matter?
In many cases travel is not required, because representation can be exercised through a properly granted power of attorney. There are, however, steps that by their nature may call for personal appearance. We analyse your matter before giving an answer and tell you in advance if any act requires your presence.
How do I grant a power of attorney from the country where I live?
It is generally granted before the Ecuadorian consulate for your jurisdiction or before a notary in your country of residence, followed by apostille or legalization where applicable. We prepare the wording with the powers your case calls for and explain the following steps, according to the requirements set by the consulate and by the law in force.
Can you take on a case that is already under way?
Yes, provided the subject matter falls within our areas of work. We begin by reviewing the case file and the actual procedural status in order to identify open deadlines and the actions still available. Only with that reading do we explain the alternatives, without anticipating outcomes.
What time can we speak?
We arrange remote consultations taking the time difference with your country of residence into account. When requesting a consultation, tell us your city and the windows in which it is possible for you to connect.
What documents should I have ready?
It depends on the matter. As an initial reference, identity documents, Civil Registry certificates, deeds and any notice or ruling received are often relevant. Please do not send confidential documentation in your first message: we will tell you what is needed and by which channel to send it.
Can you also deal with my relatives in Ecuador?
Yes. It is common for communication to be held with you from abroad while the steps are coordinated with a relative in the country. We define from the outset who grants representation and how information will be handled, with professional confidentiality in every case.
Speak with our firm from wherever you are
Tell us in general terms what you need resolved in Ecuador. We will let you know whether the matter falls within our areas of work and what the next steps would be.
Submitting this form or contacting the firm does not automatically create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential, privileged, sensitive, or original documents until the firm has confirmed representation and provided instructions.