Legally Protecting Your End-Of-Life Wishes In Mexico: Spencer McMullen, JAL: Ep14
The legal documents you drafted in the US (advance directives and your last will) won’t protect your end-of-life wishes in Mexico. So, now what?
Spencer McMullen is a bilingual attorney based in Guadalajara and Lake Chapala, whose extensive experience in end of life matters has earned him the nickname, the ‘attorney of death.’
Spencer shares his expertise on how to protect your end of life wishes, from appointing decision-makers, to clarifying your medical wishes, and what happens after you die. He shines light on the special circumstances US citizens living in Mexico should consider, including tax implications and who makes the best beneficiary when your property is in Mexico, but your next-of-kin is in the US.
In This Episode:
Spencer’s immigration story and how he began practicing law in Mexico
The difference between the law in the United States and Mexico
Why you need Mexican legal documents to protect you in Mexico
The benefit of estate planning, versus just writing a Mexican will
When you need a will in Mexico, and when you might not
The expense of transferring property after a death - even with a will
Why some people make better beneficiaries than others, and how to choose who to put as your number one
Cross-border beneficiaries and the challenge of transferring assets between US and Mexican citizens
Using a Mexican will for ‘representation,’ and not simply to designate who gets what
The unique role of an albacea, or executor, in Mexico
The role of a notario in Mexico, and why you might want to meet with a lawyer first
What happens if you die in Mexico without a will
How a Mexican advance medical directive can protect your end-of-life care wishes
Proving next-of-kin relationships in Mexico, and why it matters
How power of attorney functions in Mexico, and when you might need it
See Spencer’s checklist on How to Die in Mexico
Contact Spencer McMullen at ChapalaLaw.com
Listen to More Episodes from end-of-life experts in Jalisco, Mexico:
Mexico’s ‘attorney of death’ describes the legal documents you need to protect your dying wishes.