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Prevention Rescue Preservation
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Punta Cana
§ For international buyers · exclusively Higüey · La Altagracia · Punta Cana

Buy, own, and pass on Dominican property with confidence.

Whether you're buying, already own, are resolving a dispute, or are inheriting property in the Dominican Republic, costly mistakes happen the same way: too late, in a system you don't fully understand. I help foreign buyers, investors, and families protect their property interests with local legal insight backed by real court data.
✓ Trained at the Dominican Republic's leading law firm ✓ 3,000+ court decisions analyzed ✓ English & Spanish ✓ Punta Cana · Bávaro · Cap Cana
The database
3,000 +
Court decisions mapped · La Altagracia
Jurisdiction Higüey civil courts
Tracked "Force majeure" outcomes
Pattern Which judges order delivery
Scope Foreign buyers only
The Caribbean Counsel database · § 04

Most lawyers read your contract. I've studied how courts interpret it.

What we track
Why it matters to you
Delivery delays
Shows when the buyer gains the right to rescission or compensation.
Force majeure claims
Predicts whether your developer's excuse stands or collapses.
Contract disputes
Reveals which clauses local judges enforce and which they routinely reject.
Refund claims
Tracks deposit and payment recovery outcomes across La Altagracia courts.
Pricing disputes
Documents how courts handle unjustified price increases imposed after signing.
Years of studying real rulings have shown me which contracts, clauses, and situations tend to create problems. That's what I look for in yours—before there is ever a dispute to solve.
See How The Data Protects Buyers →
Recent matters · § 05

Real examples. Real outcomes.

Due Diligence

Due Diligence That Prevented A Bad Purchase

During a title and contract review on a Cap Cana acquisition, I identified issues that would have left the buyer exposed to significant legal and financial risk.

The client chose not to proceed.

That was the win.
Developer Dispute

A Full Developer Refund Recovered

A Canadian buyer had waited more than two years for delivery of a Bávaro project.

Using local jurisprudence and a formal legal demand, I secured a complete contract rescission and full refund without litigation.
Estate & Succession

A Cross-Border Succession Completed Remotely

An international family needed to transfer inherited Dominican property without traveling to the country.

I coordinated the succession process from abroad through completion.
Details adjusted to protect client privacy.
Find your situation · § 02

Which situation describes you?

Buying, owning, or inheriting property in the Dominican Republic should feel exciting—not risky. Find your situation and see exactly how I can help.

I'm Buying Property

Due diligence · Title review · Contract review
You've found the property. Before you wire a dollar, you want confidence in the title, the developer, and the contract you're signing.
Learn More →

I Already Own Property

Ownership issues · Compliance · Title matters
You already own property in the Dominican Republic and want to keep it protected, compliant, and ready for the future.
Learn More →

My Developer Is Failing Me

Delays · Refunds · Force-majeure claims
The project isn't moving, deadlines keep shifting, and you're worried about your investment. You want answers, leverage, and a clear path forward.
Learn More →

I'm Inheriting Property

Succession · Probate · Estate planning
Inheriting Dominican property involves legal rules most foreign families never encounter at home. I help make the process clear, manageable, and efficient—even from abroad.
Learn More →
Why local counsel · § 03

Foreign property ownership works differently here.

Developer Contracts Aren't Written With Foreign Buyers In Mind

Many risks aren't obvious until a project is delayed, modified, or fails to deliver as promised. I review agreements with the benefit of seeing how these situations unfold in practice.

Local Courts Decide The Outcome

Property disputes are resolved under Dominican law, in Dominican courts—not under the laws of your home country. Understanding how local judges actually interpret these matters can make all the difference.

Inheritance Follows Different Rules

Dominican succession law can produce outcomes foreign families never expect. With proper planning, your own national law may be able to govern instead.
Esteban A. Sánchez · Counsel
Esteban A. Sánchez · Counsel
Meet Esteban · § 06

Local counsel. Direct access.

Esteban A. Sánchez · Real Estate Counsel
I trained at the Dominican Republic's leading law firm and work within this legal system every day, helping foreign buyers, investors, and families navigate real estate transactions, developer disputes, and succession matters. When you work with me, you work directly with me. Not a call center. Not a rotating associate. Not a case manager.
Read My Story →
Frequently asked · § 08

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Punta Cana? +
Strongly recommended. A Dominican property purchase involves title investigation, contract review, government registries, tax considerations, and multiple legal steps before ownership is fully secured.
Can foreigners own property in the Dominican Republic? +
Yes. Foreign buyers enjoy the same ownership rights as Dominican citizens for most residential and investment properties.
How much does due diligence cost? +
It depends on the transaction, but it is typically a small fraction of the purchase price and often the most cost-effective protection available.
Can I recover my deposit from a developer? +
Often, yes. The answer depends on your contract, the facts of the case, and the remedies available under Dominican law.
What happens if I inherit property in the Dominican Republic? +
Dominican succession rules apply by default, and the transfer must go through a legal process before ownership can be updated and transferred to heirs.
How long does probate take? +
Most cross-border successions take several months, depending on documentation, apostilles, and registry requirements. Many aspects can be handled remotely.
Free self-assessment · 2 minutes
Is your developer in breach? Find out where you stand.
A few quick questions. A preliminary read on your position under Dominican law.
Developer dispute assessment A few questions · instant result
This is a preliminary assessment, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
The next step · § 09

Protect your investment before problems become expensive.

The best time to involve a lawyer is before you sign—not after. One informed decision today can save you what's hardest to recover tomorrow: your money, your time, and your peace of mind.
Book a Property Review → WhatsApp +1 829 259 8645
Verified Google reviews

What real clients say about working with Esteban.

5.0 · 5 reviews on Google

If you are looking for the best attorneys in Punta Cana, give Esteban and team a call at Guzman Ariza. We've used them multiple times for various real estate related issues and we could not have asked for a better outcomes. If we ever need an attorney in the DR again, it will definitely be with Esteban!

Jeffrey Hill · Google review

Esteban Sanchez was a great help to my case regarding a lease issue in Vista Cana. If you're looking for someone who has great communication and a great work ethic I would definitely recommend Esteban as your lawyer in Punta Cana.

Jaay Bond · Google review

I had a really great experience with attorney Esteban Sanchez and the rest of the staff at Guzman Ariza! I needed some documents in a rush for the sale of a property back home and they got everything done perfectly and expeditiously! I highly recommend Esteban and the rest of the staff at Guzman Ariza!

Rodney Montoya · Google review

Estaban is great, communicative and attentive lawyer. He had our best interest at heart and we were pleased with the overall experience.

Tianna Ashley · Google review

Absolutely amazing! Such a professional and well rounded Attorney. So many talents from law to personal connection that helped so much! In good hands with this man!

Albert Riibe · Google review
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