The National Code of Civil and Family Procedures (CNPCyF) represents one of the most significant legal reforms in recent years. Approved by the Mexican Congress and published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on June 7, 2023, this Code seeks to standardize and modernize the rules governing civil and family procedures throughout the country.
As we approach 2025, the implementation of this new legal framework is steadily advancing, marking the beginning of a profound transformation in the way justice is administered in Mexico.
What Is the CNPCyF and Why Was It Created?
The CNPCyF replaces the procedural codes of each state, creating a unified national model that promotes efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. Its main objectives are:
- To simplify procedures and avoid delays in the resolution of civil and family disputes.
- To strengthen oral proceedings, replacing written processes with direct hearings.
- To make greater use of technology for electronic filings, notifications, and virtual hearings.
- To encourage mediation and conciliation as the first step in resolving conflicts.
This reform not only unifies procedures but also updates Mexico’s legal system to meet the social and technological needs of the 21st century.
Implementation Timeline and Gradual Entry into Force
The Code provides for a gradual implementation process across all states. Each state must issue a declaration of implementation no later than April 1, 2027. Once a declaration is published, the new Code becomes mandatory in that state within 120 days.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, several states—including Mexico City, Nuevo León, and Jalisco—have begun pilot programs to adapt their judicial systems to the new procedural framework. In Quintana Roo, the Judicial Branch is currently carrying out training sessions, modernization projects, and infrastructure updates in preparation for its entry into force.
Key Features and Innovations
- Orality and Transparency
All civil and family cases will now be resolved through oral hearings before a judge, allowing for more direct communication and shorter resolution times. - Digital Justice
Electronic filings, digital notifications, and online access to files will become standard, reducing paperwork and increasing accessibility. - Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and conciliation will be mandatory before initiating a lawsuit, encouraging peaceful and cost-effective solutions. - Specialized Family Courts
Judges will receive specific training to handle family-related cases with sensitivity and a human rights perspective. - Protection of Vulnerable Groups
The Code strengthens guarantees for women, children, and persons with disabilities, ensuring accessible and inclusive justice.
Challenges and Preparation
While the CNPCyF brings great benefits, its success depends on proper implementation:
- Judicial training: Judges, clerks, and lawyers must be trained in oral and digital procedures.
- Technological infrastructure: Courts require updated systems to support online processes.
- Public awareness: Citizens must understand how the new model works and what changes to expect in their cases.
The Situation in Quintana Roo
In Quintana Roo, preparations are underway to implement the new system in the coming months. Local authorities have announced that training, technological updates, and public outreach will continue throughout 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
This means that new civil and family cases may begin to be processed under the CNPCyF by 2026, introducing a new way of practicing law in the state.
Conclusion
The implementation of the National Code of Civil and Family Procedures marks a turning point for Mexico’s justice system. Its focus on oral, digital, and human-centered processes seeks to make justice more efficient and accessible for all citizens.
However, adaptation will be key—lawyers, judges, and litigants must prepare for this transition and embrace the modernization that this new model demands.
At Anaya Legal Playa, we help you understand how this new model can impact your rights.