Those hidden pitfalls in hiring domestic employees

October 27, 2008
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So many expats make the same mistakes with domestic workers in Costa Rica. Usually their intentions are good. Nevertheless, from the outset of the work relationship most start it off on the wrong foot, giving workers a reason to go to court. Why should they wait to be fired upon by the domestic staff? They [...]

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Expat wins long, lonely fight to keep his investment

October 13, 2008
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No thanks to the impotent criminal courts After four long years of fighting hard in the courts in Costa Rica, an expat saved his property investment. He thought all hope was lost, but in his case justice prevailed. Last week the expat had what was stolen from him returned: A mortgage fraudulently canceled by property [...]

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Mortgage scam traps expats seeking a good return

September 29, 2008
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Looking for high interest on money? There are loan brokers in the local market with customers looking for cash. Some of these brokers are even lawyers representing their clients. Watch out. There is a scam which preys on anyone willing to lend their hard-earned savings. It is a trap for those blinded by money and [...]

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Strong zoning push to target maritime zone projects

September 15, 2008
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Foreigners developing on the coast are handicapped because there are little or no guidelines for development. Guidelines for developers come from regulatory or zoning plans. These plans are — in theory — designed to align the land and human activities to the best use of resources without depleting those resources. In the past, foreigners interested [...]

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Faltering real estate market presents opportunities

September 1, 2008
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A personal trip to the Parrita-Quepos area to look at property and meet with real estate agents turned out to be an invaluable experience. The real estate slowdown is quite evident, but there is good news for well- informed investors. Today’s deep discounts are tomorrow’s profits. For sale signs are everywhere. Property prices have dropped [...]

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This funny word can get a foreigner the money here

August 18, 2008
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Expats living in Costa Rica may be interested to know that certain foreign judgments are enforceable in Costa Rica by means of a process called an exequatur. Going through the process to get an exequatur can mean collecting monies due when they were otherwise lost or collecting child support from a deadbeat spouse hiding in [...]

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Criminal court is simply no place for an expat

August 4, 2008
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Costa Rica is a sue crazy society. Many Costa Ricans and foreigners believe court is the place to solve their disputes. Because of this belief, the court system is over burdened and currently in a state of meltdown. Court cases last for years in this country, and many criminals get off because of this. Most [...]

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