Marriage Information for Coahuila, Mexico
In Coahuila, Mexico, there are steps to take to have a marriage legally recognized. Religious ceremonies aren't legally recognized in Mexico; a civil ceremony with the appropriate documents provides a couple with all of the rights and protections of marriage under Mexican law. Same-sex marriages are recognized in the state of Coahuila.
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Translate Legal Documents
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For non-Mexican nationals, birth certificates and any divorce certificates and death certificates (if a widow or widower) should be translated through a professional translator. The documents should be notarized and the translations certified through an approved translator. The Civil Registry's Office (Oficina del Registro Civil) of Coahuila provides a list of approved translators. A birth certificate and any divorce certificates/death certificates must have an apostille, an official seal from the U.S. state that's the issuer of the document(s) (see Resources). Apostille costs depend on the state and as of 2010 may run from $2 to $20.
Paperwork
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A "Marriage Application" form (Solicitud de Matrimonio) will need to be filled out by the couple. The 2010 fee is around $100 dollars. At least two copies of a Mexican visa and valid passport must be provided. If a U.S. citizen is marrying a Mexican national, a "Permission to marry a national" form (Permiso para contraer matrimonio con un nacional) from the National Institute of Migration (Instituto Nacional de Migración) must be completed. The form is approximately $200 U.S in 2010; approval takes anywhere from a few day to a few weeks.
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Chest X Rays and Blood Tests
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The Civil Registry's Office of Coahuila requires both partners to get chest X rays and have blood tests. Costs run approximately $120 per person in 2010. The Civil Registry's Office will provide the couple with a list of doctors and clinics. Both the chest X rays and the blood tests must be completed in Mexico.
Marriage Orientation Workshop
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Attendance at a mandatory Marriage Orientation workshop is required for the couple. The Civil Registry's Office in Coahuila gives the workshop.
Civil Ceremony
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Four witnesses must be present at the civil ceremony, all with valid identification. Mexican witnesses with either valid passports or valid voter registration cards are ideal. The Mexican marriage license can be picked up anywhere from the same day to two weeks after the civil ceremony.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit marriage defined image by Christopher Walker from Fotolia.com
