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caribbeancounseldr.com / disputes

They're asking for more money,

but the construction hasn't moved in months.

We know the frustration of seeing your retirement fund at risk while the developer sends payment demands. The court database shows how this plays out. We help you act before the next wire transfer.
"He reviewed my contract and found clauses I never knew were there."
Canadian buyer · Bávaro · 26 months and counting
Book your developer audit
Recognize the signs

Warning Signs Foreign Buyers Shouldn't Ignore

The promised delivery date has passed.
Construction updates have become less frequent.
Emails and WhatsApp messages go unanswered.
The developer keeps changing completion dates.
Additional payments are being requested.
Construction progress doesn't match what you're being told.
Force majeure is repeatedly cited without clear explanations.
Nobody can provide a reliable delivery date.

One warning sign may be normal. Several appearing together often indicate a much larger problem.

Schedule a Consultation
What the courts show

The "force majeure" excuse is failing in La Altagracia courts.

Data derived from court registry review of 847 cases, La Altagracia Juzgado de Primera Instancia, 2022–2025.
Force majeure defenses rejected 89%
Delivery delay rulings favoring buyer 94%
Full rescission cases returning full deposit 78%
How we work · § 01

Three steps from dispute to resolution.

1.

Contract & court audit

We pull every lawsuit filed against your developer, map their pattern, and audit your contract clause by clause.
2.

Strategic pressure

An Acto de Alguacil served by a bailiff — the formal legal demand that puts the developer on the record.
3.

Resolution

Full rescission with deposit, renegotiated delivery, or court judgment. You decide the target.
What is included

The Developer

Court Audit.

Full court history of your developer
Clause-by-clause contract review
Written risk opinion
Recommended action: demand, negotiation, or litigation
Our guarantee
If our review finds your contract is fully compliant and the developer has no actionable history... you pay nothing for the audit.
Book your developer audit
Questions · § 02

Before you reach out.

The questions buyers ask when a developer goes quiet. Plain answers.
01.

Can the developer keep my deposit?

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Retention clauses exist in most contracts, but the right to invoke them depends on whether the developer itself breached. If they missed a delivery date or failed a material obligation, the clause may not protect them. This is the first thing we review.
02.

Can I act from abroad?

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Yes. We represent clients in Canada, the US, and Europe entirely through powers of attorney. You do not need to travel to the Dominican Republic to send a demand, file a claim, or pursue a court judgment.
03.

How fast can I recover my deposit?

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A formal demand often resolves within 30 to 60 days. Litigation takes longer but is sometimes the only path. We tell you which applies after reviewing your contract.
04.

They're claiming force majeure. Does that hold up?

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Less often than developers believe. La Altagracia courts have consistently rejected vague force majeure claims — particularly post-COVID claims filed after 2022 where no government-mandated restriction existed. SCJ Sent. No. 0012-2023 is instructive. We will tell you exactly whether the defense is viable before you respond.
A different situation

Already Signed a Refund Agreement?

Signing a refund agreement does not guarantee a refund.

Many buyers contact counsel after the developer breaches the agreement that was supposed to resolve the dispute.

Missed installment payments
Delayed repayment schedules
Broken settlement promises
Enforcement options may still exist
Discuss Your Situation
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.

Already Beyond The Assessment Stage?

Some buyers arrive here while trying to understand warning signs.

Others have already endured years of delays, missed refund payments, broken promises, or failed settlement agreements.

If you already know you need legal guidance, you don't need to complete any assessment first.

Book a Consultation Send Documents for Review

Your developer has an attorney.

You need the Buyer's Guardian.

Discuss your case today
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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