Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Refine your search by selecting a practice area.
If you need legal help in Florida, Argentina - the neighborhood within Vicente López in Greater Buenos Aires - the basic steps are similar to other parts of Argentina. First, identify the area of law you need help with. Then look for a lawyer who is matriculated with the relevant provincial or local bar association and who has experience in your type of matter. Arrange an initial meeting to discuss facts, required documents, likely steps, fees, and expected timeframes. If you hire the lawyer, sign a clear written retainer or fee agreement and, if the lawyer will act on your behalf in court or with third parties, provide the necessary power of attorney.
Keep in mind that Argentina is a civil-law country where procedures and forms are important. Court hearings and official correspondence are conducted in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, arrange for a professional interpreter or a bilingual lawyer. For matters involving property, corporate acts, or formal deeds you may also need the services of an escribano - a notary public who prepares and registers public instruments.
People in Florida, Argentina commonly need legal help for a variety of matters. Typical situations include:
- Family law issues - divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, alimony and adoption proceedings.
- Real estate and property transactions - buying, selling, registering property, resolving title disputes and condominium/HOA matters.
- Labor and employment disputes - wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, social security and workplace claims before labor courts.
- Criminal matters - representation in criminal investigations, arraignment, trial and appeals.
- Consumer rights and warranty claims - disputes with service providers, sellers, banks and utilities.
- Contracts and business matters - drafting and reviewing contracts, commercial disputes, incorporation and shareholder issues.
- Immigration and residency - visas, permanent residency procedures, and documentation for foreigners.
- Wills and estates - drafting wills, probate and inheritance disputes.
- Administrative or municipal matters - fines, permits, zoning and municipal claims before municipal bodies in Vicente López.
- Debt collection and enforcement - pursuing creditors or defending against collection actions.
Basic legal framework and features to bear in mind:
- Civil-law system - Argentina follows a civil-law tradition where codes and statutes are central. Many substantive rules are found in the Civil and Commercial Code (Código Civil y Comercial) and in specific federal and provincial statutes.
- Federal and provincial jurisdictions - Argentina has national and provincial levels of government. Some matters are handled by federal courts, while many day-to-day civil, commercial and criminal cases are dealt with in provincial courts. Lawyers must be familiar with the procedural rules that apply in the relevant judicial department.
- Bar registration - lawyers practice under a matriculation number issued by the applicable Colegio de Abogados - either provincial or a local collegiate body. Bar associations also set ethical rules and professional fee guidelines.
- Court procedure and mediation - civil and commercial procedure is regulated by procedural codes. In many disputes mediation or conciliation is mandatory before filing a lawsuit. Timelines and evidence rules differ between civil, labor and criminal courts.
- Labor law protections - Argentine labor law is protective of employees. The Ley de Contrato de Trabajo and related regulations establish key rights, limitation periods and remedies through labor courts.
- Consumer protection - the Ley de Defensa del Consumidor offers protections against abusive clauses and defective products or services and allows administrative complaints as well as lawsuits.
- Notaries and escri banos - for public deeds and many acts related to real estate, an escribano (notary public) prepares and registers documents. Lawyers and escribanos often collaborate on property and company matters.
- Language and formalities - official processes and court filings are in Spanish. For documents from abroad, legalization or an apostille may be required and translations must be sworn (traducción jurada) in many cases.
Start by asking for recommendations from people you trust, check local law firm listings and consult the relevant Colegio de Abogados to confirm a lawyer's matricula. Meet a few lawyers to compare experience, approach and fees. Ask about prior cases like yours and request references when appropriate.
Fees vary by practice area, lawyer experience and case complexity. Common fee arrangements include hourly rates, fixed fees for specific tasks and contingency or percentage fees for some claims. Bar associations publish fee guidelines, but actual fees are set by agreement. Always get a written fee agreement specifying what is included, billing frequency and additional costs.
Ask for the lawyer's matricula number and verify membership with the local Colegio de Abogados. Confirm whether the lawyer has a good standing record and whether any disciplinary actions exist. For public office or judicial records consult the relevant official judicial or bar association websites.
Bring any documents related to your matter - contracts, notices, court papers, ID, title deeds, employment records, invoices, correspondence, and any prior legal or administrative decisions. Prepare a clear timeline of events and a short summary of what you want to achieve.
Yes. A written retainer clarifies scope, fees and responsibilities. If the lawyer will act on your behalf in court or sign documents for you, you will usually sign a power of attorney. Ensure you understand any limits on the power granted and keep a copy.
Timing depends on the type of case, court backlog and whether the matter can be resolved by negotiation or mediation. Simple administrative or consumer claims can be resolved in months; contested civil, labor or criminal cases may take much longer. Ask your lawyer for an estimated timeline and major milestones.
Yes. Foreigners can retain Argentine lawyers. If you are outside Argentina, many lawyers can advise remotely and represent you if granted a power of attorney. For immigration or residency issues you will also interact with national authorities and may need notarized or apostilled foreign documents and sworn translations.
Depending on the matter, you may qualify for free legal assistance. Public defender offices handle criminal defense for those who cannot pay. There are also legal aid programs and pro bono services offered by some bar associations, law schools and NGOs. The Colegio de Abogados can provide information on available assistance.
Yes. Lawyer-client communications are protected by professional secrecy in Argentina. Lawyers are bound by ethical duties to preserve client confidences, subject to limited legal exceptions. Discuss confidentiality concerns with your lawyer at the start.
You can discharge your lawyer at any time, but check the retainer for notice requirements and any fees for work already performed. If you want to change representation during an ongoing court matter, your new lawyer will typically file a substitution of counsel and obtain the necessary power of attorney. If there is a dispute about fees or conduct, you can raise it with the local Colegio de Abogados.
Official government bodies and resources that may help you:
- Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos de la Nación - for national justice-related information and programs:
- Poder Judicial de la Provincia de Buenos Aires - for provincial court information and judicial contacts:
- Corte Suprema de Justicia de la Nación - the Supreme Court website for national jurisprudence and court information:
- Dirección Nacional de Migraciones - for immigration, visas and residency procedures:
Other helpful contacts - check locally without external links:
- Local Colegio de Abogados - contact the Colegio de Abogados that serves your judicial department to verify matriculation and inquire about mediation or fee guidelines. For Greater Buenos Aires areas this may include local colleges such as the Colegio de Abogados de San Isidro and others in the province.
- Municipal offices in Vicente López - for administrative, permit and local zoning questions contact municipal departments in Vicente López.
- University legal clinics and NGOs - law schools and civic organizations sometimes provide low-cost or pro bono legal help for qualifying individuals.
If you need legal assistance in Florida, Argentina - follow these practical steps:
- Identify the legal issue and gather all relevant documents and dates. Create a simple timeline of events.
- Make a short list of questions you want to ask a lawyer - goals, likely outcomes, fees, timeline and required documents.
- Contact and meet with two or three lawyers to compare experience, approach and fees. Ask for their matricula and check bar membership.
- Request a written retainer agreement that specifies scope of work, fee arrangements, billing and termination terms. Keep a signed copy.
- If the lawyer will act for you in court or deal with third parties, sign the appropriate power of attorney and provide any requested identity documents.
- Keep organized records of all communications, receipts and filings. Ask for plain-language explanations of legal terms and next steps so you understand the process.
- If cost is an obstacle, ask about payment plans, lower-fee options and whether you qualify for legal aid or pro bono services.
- Use official government resources listed above to verify procedural steps and to find contact information for courts and administrative bodies.
This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer licensed to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
