Compareciente

Compareciente is a legal term used in civil law traditions of Spanish-speaking countries to denote a person who appears before a competent authority to participate in a legal act, declaration, or proceeding. The word derives from the verb comparar, meaning to appear or present oneself.

In judicial proceedings, the compareciente is an individual who presents themselves before the court or a judge to contribute to the case. This can include plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, or other intervening parties who must declare, testify, or confirm facts under oath or affirmation. The act of appearing is called comparecencia, and the person who appears is the compareciente. The exact rights, obligations, and requirements (such as identification and representation by counsel) vary by jurisdiction.

In notarial and civil acts, the compareciente is the person who appears before a notary to execute or declare a document, such as deeds, powers of attorney, or other formal records. The notary verifies identity, ensures voluntariness, and attests to the act as part of public documentary law.

Usage varies across countries. The term is common in Spain and many Latin American jurisdictions, including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, though some jurisdictions may prefer alternatives like interviniente or declarant in certain contexts. In some legal systems, the term compares with “witness” or “intervening party,” depending on whether the appearance is for testimony, consent, or the execution of a document.

Etymology traces to comparecer, “to appear.” The compareciente is gender-neutral in contemporary usage, with formality tailored to the legal context.