Meléndez and Bonilla

Costa Rica Divorce

You can trust us with all your divorce concerns, as we have decades of experience in the field. Our team of expert lawyers also understands that divorce cases require additional empathy and emotional support.


Costa Rica Divorce

Costa Rica Divorce

Filing for divorce is a fairly quick and easy process in Costa Rica, and most of the time couples start divorce proceedings based on a mutually agreed settlement. Costa Rican divorce law is completely accepted even when one of the partners is not a citizen, whether the person is a Costa Rican resident or not. As long as one of the parties has a residence here, even if they are tourists, they can file for divorce.
Domestic violence laws in the country are quite strict, and the court usually favors the women in violence cases.
At Meléndez & Bonilla, we have a team made up of lawyers who understand how to deal with such divorce cases and how to be assertive so that there is less time wasted during the litigation.
We have a deep knowledge of divorce law in Costa Rica and so can add value to the services that we provide for our clients. Our expertise in trials coupled with our straightforward approach means we are a welcome asset to the families we work with as we deal with property division, alimony, child support, visitation, custody, and parenting plans.
Meléndez & Bonilla is known to be among the best Costa Rican Divorce Law Firms. We offer the best of both worlds: the expertise of a large company combined with the individual care of a small, personal firm. Our services are not just for clients living in Costa Rica, we extend our services to international clients who seek legal representation in Costa Rica while they're away from the country.
The Meléndez & Bonilla Law Firm completely understands the need for divorce cases to remain private, and our clients' privacy and requirements are pivotal in all the legal strategies we use in all cases. Despite Costa Rica being a family oriented country, unfortunately divorce is fairly common. We understand all the ins and outs of the divorce law here and can help facilitate your divorce request. We specialize in divorce law and related cases.

Costa Rica Divorce

Getting a Divorce in Costa Rica

Most divorces in Costa Rica are mutual agreement divorces. Both the husband and the wife agree and sign the legal agreement for the divorce court. This includes how to distribute all the assets, if there is alimony or not, and if there are children, it includes child custody, visitation rights, and child support. Ending a relationship is never easy, and going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life, especially if there are property and children involved.
That's where Meléndez & Bonilla can help. We understand all the ins and outs of Costa Rican divorce law, so we can help make a difficult time in your life a little easier and less stressful. Our decades of experience have taught us not only how to deal with each different divorce case in terms of the law and the legal side, but also with trust, compassion, and empathy.
When it comes to the broad Costa Rican divorce law, there are lots of different issues covered. These include issues relating to domestic partnerships, civil unions, separation, divorce, child support, child custody, visitation rights, alimony, property settlements, spousal abuse, father's rights, and much more.
Clients involved in cases to do with divorce law often have to make decisions on responsibilities, rights, and choices. This is difficult due to the emotions involved in such actions and processes. Divorce cases are often supported by a process of mediation. All the lawyers at Meléndez & Bonilla are trained to help their clients through every step of the process and will work tirelessly to understand each client's individual situation, desires, and needs. Thanks to the skills possessed by our lawyers, they will convey your case in court with conviction and clarity so that you can experience a quick and inexpensive result.

Important facts surrounding divorce in Costa Rica

  • A divorce can be filed at any time after the marriage. There is no waiting period.
  • One cause for divorce is the incompatibility of characters to be able to live together. This is after six months have elapsed since the marriage.
  • Cruel treatment, either physical or psychological, is a cause for divorce.
  • To use separation as a cause for divorce, the couple must have been separated for one year if filed before the court or for three years otherwise.
  • If child support or alimony is awarded in the divorce, all support payments must be up-to-date, and 13 months of support must be paid in advance to the court in order to leave the country.
  • The court will award child support independent of any agreements, and it is strongly enforced.
  • The properties and assets obtained before the marriage remain the property of that person.
  • Property that was obtained during the marriage is divided equally, apart from individual inheritances.
  • Women are allowed to demand DNA tests to establish who fathered a child. A man who refuses is deemed to be the biological father and must pay the appropriate child support.
We want to help you in your difficult situation.

Our Services

Expert legal services in Costa Rica. We help you and your family with a variety of legal services and support.

Divorce and Separation

Divorce and Separation

Our Law Firm specializes in divorce and separation related cases. Costa Rica has normal legal and social rules when it comes to divorce and separation. The country accepts that a marriage may not be able to continue for various reasons and makes a divorce fairly easy to obtain.

Alimony

Alimony

Our lawyers ensure that your rights are protected in a separation or divorce case where you have to pay alimony or spousal support. In Costa Rica, the divorce usually favors women and children, but we work with the court so that the amount is correct and reasonable.

Children Support

Child Support

Costa Rican separation and divorce law is extremely strict when it comes to child support and custody. It will always favor supporting the child. This is to be sure that the child is taken care of and can live a normal life, even with the difficult situation of divorce.

Paternity Test

Paternity Test

Our team of experts offers quality legal support in all cases of child legitimacy. We understand the intricate details of the Costa Rican child protection law and are fully equipped to help ensure that your rights are protected. Either parent can ask for a DNA test to guarantee all of your rights.

Division of Property

Division of Property

The law is extremely clear in how property is divided in the case of separation or divorce. The Law Firm of Melendez & Bonilla has decades of experience with an international reputation in handling property settlements in a fair and just manner to protect both parties.

Civil Partnership

Civil Partnership

The Law Firm of Melendez & Bonilla is a team of experts that could help you with any civil partnership issues as public and legal opinion continues to evolve on the subject. The Costa Rica Law does recognize civil unions and support, child, and property rights in case of divorce.

Annulment

Annulment

There are very specific and exact reasons for allowing an annulment. One condition is that it must be submitted within the first month of marriage. Also, there must be a concrete reason for the annulment. Most cases are rejected, and you should file for divorce instead.

Settlement Agreement

Settlement Agreement

We have an excellent record in handling legal issues pertaining to divorce in Costa Rica. Settlement can be agreed upon in a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement concerning property, support, custody, and visitation. If the couple cannot agree, then the court will set the terms.

Don’t Hesitate To Ask

Free Consultation

Feel free to get in touch with any inquiries, and one of our friendly members of staff will get back to you as soon as possible. We are here to help!

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Legal Help

WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE LEGAL HELP

We are always aiming to provide high quality legal consultancy, support, and results for your legal issues.

1

Get Your Legal Advice

Whatever legal questions you have on your mind, we will be happy to give you the answers that you need. Post your questions through our form, send us an email, or call us directly. Either way, our lawyers will give you top quality legal advice that will guide you in making the right decisions.

2

Work With Expert Lawyers

Our lawyers are verified experts in all areas of Costa Rican Family and Divorce Law. With their superior level of expertise and decades of experience, together with their stellar negotiation skills, you are bound to get the best legal representation that you can have in all of Costa Rica.

3

Have Great Professional Service

Our team of lawyers is conscientious, passionate, and highly professional. We care more about our clients' well-being and interests than making a quick buck. We are very proud to offer top-notch legal service at a very affordable cost. We don't have hidden fees, nor will we charge you more than the fair rate.

4

Review Your Case Documents

Your case is important to us. This is clearly reflected in the attention and time that we pour into analyzing all your legal documents. We will call in expert analysts if necessary to gain a full understanding of your files so that we can represent you as best we can.