There needs to be no doubt, that distinct differences exist between the Societies of Canada and the U.S., and those of Latin American Countries, including Costa Rica. Costa Rican people are warm, friendly and polite people by nature, on a social level.
However, conducting business transactions involves a totally different thought process between people of British based societies, and those of Latin based societies. What most Americans or Canadians would refer to as “common logic” in the thinking process, does not exist in the Latin psyche. Even in the practice of law, many situations arise where the form of a document becomes a greater issue between the parties, than the substance of the document.
On moving to Costa Rica, frustration will reign over the unduly complicated nature of doing what in Canada or the U.S., would be a relatively simple thing to accomplish. Efficiency and time seem to stand still in many cases, with nothing meaningful being accomplished. Corrupt practices by Public Officials is also a significant factor in Latin Society.
People in authority are routinely bribed to exercise their discretion in favor of a particular out-come. Not that this practice is foreign to other jurisdictions, such as the U.S. and Canada, but it is conducted almost with air of impunity in Countries such as Costa Rica.
Another significant difference, is that although Costa Rica is as much a Country of Laws and Regulations, as is the U.S. or Canada, the policy of enforcement and the efficiency of enforcement of Laws and Regulations in Costa Rica, is pursued in a far less aggressive manner. There is a general lack of will to enforce the laws by those in authority.
To contact Attorney Rick Philps about hiring him as your Costa Rican Attorney, please use the following information: Lic. Rick Philps – Attorney at Law, Petersen & Philps, San Jose, Costa Rica Tel: 506-2288-4381, Ext. 102; Email: rphilps@plawcr.com Website: www.plawcr.com
