Recognizing Argentine Commercial Judgments in Harris County Courts

If you've won a case in Argentina—whether involving energy, agriculture, manufacturing, or international business—the real battle may just be beginning: enforcement. An Argentinian judgment is only as powerful as your ability to collect on it. That means transforming a foreign court decision into an enforceable, collectible asset in Texas.

At our firm, we specialize in precisely that: converting your hard-won Argentinian judgment into a Texas court order—legally binding and enforceable. This article outlines how to do it, what language your Argentinian judgment must include, and the strategic options available for execution.

🔏 Required Language in Argentinian Judgments for Texas Enforcement

To enforce a foreign-country judgment in Harris County, Texas, including those from Argentina, the judgment must satisfy specific formal requirements. These include:

• ✅ Identification of all parties (Plaintiff/Defendant)
• ✅ The amount awarded or relief granted
• ✅ Clear indication that the judgment is final, conclusive, and enforceable
• ✅ Statement that it was issued by a court of competent jurisdiction under international law
• ✅ Signature and date from a judicial officer and an official court seal or certificate
• ✅ Statement that either all appeals are exhausted or that the time to appeal has expired

💡 Tip: Argentine court language may not always mirror Texas expectations. A judgment must either contain or be supplemented with certifications to satisfy Texas legal thresholds, including compliance with the Texas Uniform Foreign Country Money-Judgment Recognition Act (Chapter 36A). Argentinian judgments should also reflect the procedural codes of the Argentine province or federal court issuing the decision.

🌐 Apostillization & Translation: Making an Argentinian Judgment U.S.-Ready

Argentina is a signatory to the Hague Convention (1961), so judgments can be apostilled rather than authenticated through diplomatic channels. In Argentina, present your certified judgment to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto or the competent provincial authority for apostille. For Texas enforcement, an apostille plus certified English translation is typically sufficient.

🖥️ Step-by-Step: Apostilling a Judgment in Argentina

• Present the certified judgment to the competent apostille authority (local or national government office)
• The authority confirms the origin and authority of the judicial officer
• They issue the apostille certificate—a stamp or attached page certifying authenticity

Visit the Online Portal

Consult apostille information via Argentina’s government sites (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto or provincial portals): https://www.argentina.gob.ar/

Upload the Document

• Follow the government portal’s file format instructions
• Observe file size limits and any digital signature requirements
• Include digital signatures if applicable

Enter Document Details

• Type of document
• Issuing entity (e.g., court or notary office)
• Contact details (email required for delivery)

Pay the Apostille Fee

• Fees vary by province
• Payment is typically available online or at appropriate government offices

Receive the Apostille

• Processing times vary
• Delivery may be digital (PDF) or in-person, depending on the authority

📍 In-Person Assistance

Help is available at local government offices and major cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario for those needing aid with access or document preparation.

🗣 Language Note: All documents are in Spanish, but to be filed in Texas courts, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

⚖️ Turning an Argentinian Judgment into a Texas Judgment

Once properly authenticated and translated, you have two legal paths:

✔️ 1. Recognition under the Texas UFCMJRA (Chapter 36A)

Under the Texas Uniform Foreign Country Money-Judgment Recognition Act:

• File the authenticated judgment and an affidavit identifying the parties and last known addresses
• Pay filing fees
• Serve the debtor with legal notice
• File proof of service
• Your Argentinian judgment is recognized and treated as a Texas judgment with full enforcement power

✔️ 2. File a Lawsuit on the Judgment

This approach is used in complex cases—fraud, jurisdictional disputes, or public policy concerns. Though slower, it offers more discovery and litigation tools.

📌 Important: Debtors cannot re-litigate the case. They may only object based on:

• Lack of jurisdiction
• Fraud
• Violation of public policy

These are narrow grounds and rarely succeed.

⏰ Time Limits You Must Know

• Domestication: Must occur within 10 years of the Argentinian judgment's issuance
• Enforcement: Once domesticated, enforceable for 10 years, renewable as needed

💼 What We Do (So You Don't Have To)

Our firm provides a turnkey enforcement solution:

• Validate and analyze your Argentinian judgment
• Arrange certified translation and apostille
• Prepare affidavits and legal filings under Chapter 36A
• Track debtor assets in Texas
• Enforce through liens, garnishments, property seizures
• Litigate when needed
• Negotiate settlements
• Assist with enforcing Texas judgments in Argentina or elsewhere

Get Legal Help in Harris County, Texas

Our experienced business debt collection attorneys can help navigate Texas debt collection laws and develop strategies for effective international judgment enforcement.

For personalized legal advice about Judgment Enforcement in Harris County, Texas, contact us at:

• 📞 Phone: (281) 348-6723
• 📧 Email: busbytexas@gmail.com
• 📍 Address: 715 E. Whitney, Houston, TX 77008
• 🌐 Get Started Today