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Updated 6/12/2007
Home > While You're Here
Getting a Lawyer in St. Maarten

Posted December 22, 2006


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When Do You Need A Lawyer in St. Maarten?

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St. Maarten is a rather litigious society. You may need an attorney there in more situations than you think….

Stefan Fox is with Fox & Associates Attorneys on SXM. Here, he answers some specific questions about his firm and about when a firm such as his should be consulted by foreigners.

Q. What kinds of services does your firm provide?

A. “Our firm is especially committed in assisting newcomers to the island. We offer legal services in the field of real estate, incorporations, purchase of local businesses, and immigration law amongst others. We are also licensed to register Trademarks in the Netherlands Antilles.

“We work closely together with Capaz Business Consulting and Tax Services. As such we are able to give you the best advice as to the legalities, tax issues and to a certain extent the economical feasibility of your investment on our island.

Q. Is there much similarity between laws in St. Maarten and laws in the USA or Canada?

A. “As you may be aware laws and regulations on Sint Maarten differ quite a bit from those in your home country. The local laws on Sint Maarten are almost entirely based on the Dutch legal system. If you as an American or Canadian citizen want to invest on the island, be it the purchase of real estate or a business, legalities have to be dealt with.

“As a matter of fact, before you commit to any investment offer, it would be wise to obtain legal counsel in order to verify whether or not investing here suits your needs.

Q. How can you help?

A. “We can assist you in the purchase of a local business or the incorporation of a new business, assisting you in obtaining the relevant business licenses as well as resident permits (if requested). We also would assist you in the very important due diligence research before you formally agree to do business locally. Our firm will draft and register all the relevant legal documents. We also will advise you how to legally structure your company in order to protect the company but especially the beneficiary/investor to the maximum extent possible, against potential creditors.

“We also can be of help for you in the acquiring and/or incorporation of so-called tax free non-resident companies.”

Q. What if I want to buy a villa or condominium?

A. “If you decide to purchase real estate on Sint Maarten, we can assist you in the drafting of the sale and purchase agreement. We can advise you, depending on your personal situation, how to protect your investment from potential creditors.

“The actual title transfer takes place in front of a notary public through the signing by the Seller and the Buyer of a so-called transfer deed and subsequent registration at the Land Registry.”

You can contact Fox Attorneys at:

 

Stefan J. Fox, LLM

 

FOX & ASSOCIATES, Attorneys at Law

Emmaplein

Freeport Plaza

Suite 1A and 1B

P.O. Box 1005

Philipsburg

Sint Maarten

Netherlands Antilles

Tel: ++(5995) 427010 / 427011

 

Tel. US number: (001) 305 396 2471

Tel. Dutch number: (0031) 208 905 402

 

Fax: ++(5995) 427012

You can also email Stefan at stefan@foxattorneys.com

See also: Starting a Business in St. Maarten or Getting A Job There

St. Martin/St. Maarten Information Center
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Revised 6/12/07

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