September is not only known for patriotic celebrations in Mexico; it is also the month dedicated to the ‘September, Month of the Testament’ campaign. This initiative aims to make it easier for the public to legally establish their will regarding their assets and rights. During September 2026, interested individuals can access preferential rates and guidance to complete this process.
What are the testament costs in Mexico City for September 2026?
In Mexico City, the cost of a testament will primarily depend on the age of the person making it and the chosen modality. For September, the contemplated fees range from 733.19 to 3,187.31 pesos, according to the publicized fee schedule for the capital.
Fees by Modality and Age:
- Basic Universal Testament (ages 16-64): 2,199.56 pesos
- Universal Testament with two or more legacies (ages 16-64): 3,187.31 pesos
- Basic Universal Testament (ages 65+): 733.19 pesos
- Universal Testament with two or more legacies (ages 65+): 2,199.56 pesos
Note: These amounts correspond to the scheme for Mexico City and should not be taken as a national rate. Prices, requirements, and programs may vary between federal entities, so those living outside the capital should consult the current conditions in their state.
What is the purpose of making a testament?
A testament is a legal document through which a person establishes what will happen to their assets and rights after their death. This way, they can leave instructions on who their heirs will be and, when applicable, establish legacies for specific assets. One of its main objectives is to provide legal certainty and prevent families from having to determine the deceased’s will through a probate process. When there is no testament, the law establishes who can be heirs and in what proportion, but the procedure can involve time, expenses, and potential conflicts among family members.
The document is prepared before a public notary. The interested party does not need to draft the testament themselves: they must communicate their wishes to the notary, who is responsible for giving it the appropriate legal form and then reading the document to confirm that it reflects what the person wishes to establish. Furthermore, making a testament does not mean losing control over assets while the person is alive. The document establishes provisions that will take effect after death and can be subsequently modified by a new testament, in accordance with the corresponding legal formalities.
What are the benefits of completing the process in September?
The ‘September, Month of the Testament’ campaign was launched in 2003 as a collaboration between the Ministry of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación) and the Mexican Notariat to promote a greater testamentary culture in the country. During this period, cost reductions, legal advice, and extended hours are offered in numerous notaries. For 2026, the Government of Mexico indicates that most notaries nationwide also offer services on Saturdays, with the aim of facilitating the process for people who cannot attend during the week.
In Mexico City, there are also programs and notarial services that allow the public to receive guidance on testaments and other patrimonial procedures. The College of Notaries of Mexico City has information and a directory to locate notaries. Before attending, it is advisable to confirm directly with the notary the cost, required documents, hours, and whether an appointment is necessary, as conditions may depend on the specific program under which the process is carried out.
The official directory of the Mexican Notariat also allows locating notaries in the 32 federal entities. The ‘September, Month of the Testament’ campaign itself recommends going to the public notary of choice to receive information about the procedure. For many families, carrying out this process is a way to anticipate decisions related to their patrimony and avoid uncertainty in the future. It is not necessary to have a large fortune to make a testament: the goal is to make clear each person’s will regarding the assets and rights they possess.
How to proceed?
- Consult a Notary: It is advisable to have a clear idea of what you wish to establish, who your heirs or legatees will be, and to resolve any doubts with the notary about the provisions you intend to include.
- Check Local Conditions: While the campaign is national, specific fees and requirements can vary by state. Confirm details with your local notary.
- Appointments: It is recommended to call ahead to confirm if an appointment is needed, as well as the notary’s operating hours, especially for Saturday service.
Thus, September can become an opportunity to put in order a decision that, although often postponed, can facilitate the probate process and provide greater legal certainty to family members when the time comes to execute the testator’s will.
Source: https://www.informador.mx/mexico/cuanto-costara-hacer-un-testamento-en-cdmx-en-septiembre-2026-20260824-0165.html
