Bruno Blancas introduces ‘Ley Don Juan’ to protect elderly property rights

Bruno Blancas Mercado, a federal deputy for Jalisco, has introduced the ‘Ley Don Juan’ (Don Juan Law) before the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico. The legislative initiative aims to protect the property rights of senior citizens and prevent fraud, abandonment, or bad-faith actions, including those committed by family members.

The proposal seeks to establish mandatory life usufruct (usufructo vitalicio) automatically whenever an elderly person transfers or donates real estate. This would ensure the individual retains the right to use and enjoy the property for the duration of their life. Additionally, the project includes horizontal transmissibility of this usufruct between spouses, allowing a surviving partner to remain in the home and continue receiving economic benefits, such as rental income.