- Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 21:30
- San José Costa Rica
FOUNDER & MANAGING ATTORNEY
Terry Steele
Trusted Legal Counsel for International Clients in Costa Rica
Terry Steele helps international investors, expatriates, entrepreneurs, retirees, companies, and families navigate real estate transactions, corporate matters, residency, estate planning, asset protection, and cross-border investments in Costa Rica.
AMERICAN LAW PARTNERS
Founder & Managing Attorney
- International client representation
- Real estate and corporate law
- Cross-border legal strategy
ABOUT TERRY STEELE
Founder and Managing Attorney
Terry Steele is the Founder and Managing Attorney of American Law Partners, a bilingual Costa Rica law firm serving international and local clients throughout the country.
His legal practice focuses on helping clients understand and navigate Costa Rica’s legal system with clarity and confidence. He advises clients during property acquisitions, business formation, foreign investment, residency applications, estate planning, escrow matters, and complex cross-border transactions.
Terry works closely with buyers, property owners, entrepreneurs, companies, retirees, developers, and families from the United States, Canada, Europe, and other international markets.
His approach combines detailed legal analysis, practical solutions, transparent communication, and personalized representation designed to protect each client’s interests, assets, and investments in Costa Rica.
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Primary Areas of Practice
Strategic legal guidance for individuals, families, investors, developers, and companies establishing, protecting, or expanding their interests in Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica Real Estate Law
Property purchases, sales, closings, title verification, purchase agreements, ownership structures, and real estate investment representation.
Explore Real Estate Law → 02Due Diligence
Detailed review of property titles, ownership records, corporate structures, permits, liens, restrictions, surveys, and potential legal risks.
Learn About Due Diligence → 03Corporate & Business Law
Company formation, corporate compliance, commercial contracts, shareholder matters, acquisitions, and ongoing business representation.
Explore Corporate Law → 04Foreign Investment
Legal guidance for international clients investing in property, companies, developments, tourism projects, and commercial ventures.
Explore Foreign Investment → 05Asset Protection
Legal structures designed to help clients organize, protect, and manage personal, corporate, family, and real estate assets.
Learn About Asset Protection → 06Escrow Representation
Legal coordination related to escrow arrangements, transaction documentation, fund releases, compliance, and property closings.
Explore Escrow Services → 07Residency
Assistance with Costa Rica residency options, documentation, legal requirements, application preparation, and immigration procedures.
Explore Residency Services → 08Estate Planning
Wills, powers of attorney, inheritance planning, succession strategies, property ownership, and long-term asset organization.
Explore Estate Planning → 09Cross-Border Transactions
Legal support for international investments, acquisitions, property transactions, corporate structures, and business operations across borders.
Explore Cross-Border Services →
Clear Advice
Practical legal strategy
A PRACTICAL LEGAL APPROACH
Clear Guidance for Complex Legal Decisions
International clients often face unfamiliar laws, procedures, documents, terminology, and business practices when investing, purchasing property, establishing a company, or relocating to Costa Rica.
Terry’s role is to make the process understandable. He identifies potential risks, explains available options, coordinates the necessary legal steps, and helps clients make informed decisions before committing their time, capital, or assets.
- Clear explanations in English or Spanish
- Personalized legal strategies
- Detailed document and transaction review
- Responsive communication throughout the process
- Focus on risk prevention and asset protection
“Our goal is to help international clients understand their legal options, protect their interests, and move forward in Costa Rica with confidence.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
01
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Professional Memberships
Colegio de Abogados y Abogadas de Costa Rica
Professional legal association for attorneys practicing in Costa Rica.
Florida Bar — International Law Section
Professional involvement focused on international and cross-border legal matters.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION
Who Terry Steele Works With
Legal representation tailored to the needs of clients investing, relocating, purchasing property, protecting assets, or conducting business in Costa Rica.
Property Buyers
Foreign Investors
Expatriates & Families
Entrepreneurs
Companies & Developers
Retirees
SERVING CLIENTS NATIONWIDE
Legal Representation Throughout Costa Rica
Terry Steele and American Law Partners assist international and local clients with legal matters across Costa Rica, supported by offices and professional relationships in strategic locations throughout the country.
View Our Law Office Locations
Escazú
Heredia
Jacó
Golfito
San José
Santa Ana
Central Pacific
Southern Costa Rica
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Working With Terry Steele
Common questions about Terry’s legal services, international representation, and consultations.
Is Terry Steele a bilingual attorney?
Yes. Terry Steele provides legal guidance in both English and Spanish, helping international clients clearly understand their options, documents, responsibilities, and next steps in Costa Rica.
Does Terry Steele assist with Costa Rica real estate transactions?
Yes. His real estate practice includes purchase agreements, title verification, legal due diligence, ownership structures, escrow coordination, property closings, and transaction representation.
Can Terry help international clients start a business?
Yes. Terry advises international entrepreneurs and companies regarding business formation, corporate structures, shareholder matters, commercial agreements, compliance, acquisitions, and investment.
Does Terry Steele help with Costa Rica residency?
Yes. He assists individuals and families with residency planning, documentation, legal requirements, application preparation, and process coordination.
Can I begin my legal matter while outside Costa Rica?
Yes. Consultations, document reviews, due diligence, corporate planning, property transaction preparation, powers of attorney, and residency planning can often begin remotely.
How can I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule through the consultation link, contact American Law Partners by telephone, email the firm, or communicate through WhatsApp.
CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL CONSULTATION
Speak With Terry Steele About Your Legal Matter
Get clear, bilingual legal guidance for your Costa Rica property transaction, company, investment, residency application, estate plan, asset-protection strategy, or cross-border matter.
- English and Spanish consultations
- In-person and virtual meetings
- International client representation
- Legal services throughout Costa Rica
Telephone: +506 6010-0003
Email: info@americanlawpartners.com