Sonora Lawyers Warn of System Failures Ahead of New Civil Code Implementation

The Sonoran Bar Association has issued an urgent appeal to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Sonora, highlighting the state's unpreparedness for the imminent implementation of the National Code of Civil and Family Procedures. The association argues that Sonora lacks the necessary budgetary, technological, material, and human resources for the code's effective application.

In a public statement, the association's State Directive Council warned that a rushed implementation of this profound reform to the civil and family justice system could significantly hinder effective access to justice for thousands of individuals. While the code was published in June 2023 and must be implemented by April 2027, the state has yet to demonstrate sufficient, specific, or multi-year budget allocations to launch and sustain the new procedural system.

The Bar Association emphasized that the mere existence of the law does not guarantee its proper application. Essential requirements include functional oral hearing rooms, reliable technology, stable digital systems, trained personnel, and permanent resources across all 16 judicial districts. They also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive and verifiable local training program for judges, clerks, bailiffs, public defenders, legal advisors, facilitators, and administrative staff, which they deem critical for a smooth transition.

Recalling past reforms in labor and criminal law, the association cautioned against repeating mistakes that led to the concentration of specialized courts in a few districts. This forced citizens from other regions to travel long distances for justice. They warned that a similar pattern in civil and family matters would overload judicial bodies and create greater obstacles for Sonoran families.

The association stressed that daily legal matters, such as child support, custody, family visitation, inheritance, housing, and property, are sensitive issues. Therefore, their transformation "does not admit improvisation." They acknowledged the importance of specialized training and noted that their own Institute of Legal Specialization offers relevant postgraduate programs. However, they cautioned that implementing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms without adequate funding could render them mere formalities.