Mexican Formal Demand: Carta de Requerimiento

In Mexico, the carta de requerimiento (formal demand letter) is an essential pre-litigation step in commercial and civil debt recovery. While not always a statutory requirement, Mexican courts and commercial practice place considerable weight on formal demand letters as evidence of the creditor\'s good faith and the debtor\'s default.

The carta de requerimiento is governed by the Código de Comercio (Code of Commerce) for commercial matters and the Código Civil Federal or state civil codes for non-commercial matters. Under Article 87 of the Código de Comercio, commercial obligations must be performed in the time and manner agreed — and formal demand serves to evidence the debtor\'s failure to perform.

Content of an Effective Carta de Requerimiento

A proper Mexican carta de requerimiento should include:

  • Full identification: Names, addresses, RFC (tax ID) numbers of both parties.
  • Clear statement of facts: Chronological account of the debt, including contract details, invoice numbers, and prior payment demands.
  • Legal basis: Reference to specific articles of the Código de Comercio (for commercial debts) or Código Civil (for civil debts).
  • Specific demand: Exact amount claimed, including principal (suerte principal), interest (intereses moratorios), and any contractual penalties.
  • Deadline for compliance: 5-15 business days, depending on the urgency and complexity.
  • Warning of legal action: Clear notice that judicial proceedings will follow if payment is not received.

Delivery Methods

The most reliable delivery methods are:

  • Notario Público: Delivery via a notary public (fe de notario), who certifies the delivery — the strongest evidentiary method.
  • Correo Certificado con Acuse de Recibo: Registered mail with return receipt, widely used and cost-effective.
  • Actuario Judicial: Court officer delivery, typically used when the demand is part of formal judicial proceedings.

The Procedimiento Monitorio (Payment Order)

Mexico introduced the procedimiento monitorio (payment order procedure) in the Código de Comercio (Articles 1383-1395) and various state civil procedure codes. This streamlined judicial procedure allows creditors to obtain a fast payment order from a judge without a full trial.

Key features:

  • Available for documented debts: The creditor must present a written document (documento fundatorio) showing the debt — invoices, contracts, pagarés (promissory notes), or email acknowledgments.
  • Claim limits: Varies by state. In Mexico City and most states, the limite is approximately MXN 500,000-800,000 for the procedimiento monitorio civil.
  • 15-day payment/opposition period: The debtor has 15 days to pay or oppose. If they do neither, the order becomes an enforceable title (título ejecutivo).
  • Cost: Significantly lower than full litigation (juicio ordinario mercantil).