What we do
- Exequatur of foreign judgments in divorce, money claims or any other matter
- Recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
- Drafting governing law, jurisdiction and arbitration clauses
- Representation in domestic and international commercial arbitration
- Apostilles, legalizations and translations
- Advice to Venezuelans abroad with assets or proceedings in Venezuela
When to contact us
- You obtained a judgment abroad that must take effect in Venezuela.
- You are signing a contract with a company from another country.
- You hold an arbitral award you want to enforce against assets in Venezuela.
- You need to use in Venezuela a document executed in another country.
Legal basis
- Private International Law Act (1998)applicable law, jurisdiction and requirements for foreign judgments.
- Commercial Arbitration Law (1998)arbitration in Venezuela.
- 1958 New York Conventionrecognition of foreign awards (in force for Venezuela).
- 1961 Hague Apostille Conventionforeign public documents.
Frequently asked questions
What is exequatur and when is it needed in Venezuela?
It is the procedure by which a Venezuelan court declares that a judgment issued abroad has effect in Venezuela. It is needed, for example, to register a foreign divorce in Venezuela or to enforce a money judgment against assets in the country. The court checks that the judgment is final, that the right of defense was respected, that the foreign court had jurisdiction and that it does not contravene Venezuelan public policy.
Can a Venezuelan company agree to arbitration abroad?
Yes. The parties can agree on arbitration seated in Venezuela or abroad, under institutional rules (for example, the ICC) or ad hoc. Venezuela is a party to the New York Convention, which facilitates recognition and enforcement of the award in the country, except in matters Venezuelan law reserves to its courts.
How do I use in Venezuela a document signed in another country?
If the country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, apostilling the document there is enough; otherwise, it must be legalized at the Venezuelan consulate. Documents in another language need a translation by a Venezuelan public translator.