5 Things to Know About Divorce and Family Law in Costa Rica

1. No-fault divorce: Costa Rica allows no-fault divorce, meaning that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to file for divorce.
2. Property division: Assets acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between spouses unless otherwise agreed upon in a prenuptial agreement.
3. Child custody laws: Costa Rican courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody, often granting joint custody unless there are serious issues like abuse.
4. Alimony obligations: Depending on the circumstances, one spouse may be required to provide financial support to the other post-divorce, particularly if one partner is economically dependent.
5. International child abduction laws: Costa Rica is a signatory to the Hague Convention, which governs international child abduction cases and works to return children to their habitual residence.