Family Law: divorce, child support and division of assets

Family law touches sensitive moments: the end of a relationship, the support of dependents and the division of what was built together.

Regarding divorce, Costa Rican law provides for divorce by mutual consent (processed before a notary when the legal requirements are met) and judicial divorce. The applicable route depends on the specific case.

Child support (alimentos) is a right of minors and of those who depend on another person for subsistence. It is determined according to the needs of the person and the economic capacity of the provider, and it can be modified when circumstances change.

The division of marital property (gananciales) seeks to distribute the assets built during the marriage. It requires identifying which assets are marital and which are separate, and it can proceed by agreement or in court.

Our recommendation is always to seek clear, documented agreements, which tend to be faster, less expensive and less draining, without sacrificing the rights of the most vulnerable people. This guide is general information and does not replace legal advice for your specific case.