Child Support · Family Law Costa Rica

Child support for adult children in Costa Rica

Costa Rican law allows support to continue until age 25 when the adult child is enrolled in university — or indefinitely in cases of disability. Our bilingual team clarifies your rights and obligations.

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How long does child support last in Costa Rica?

Under the Costa Rican Child Support Act (Ley de Pensión Alimentaria), the obligation to pay support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, the law explicitly recognises two exceptions that can extend this obligation: continued university or technical education at a state-recognised institution (up to age 25), and disability that prevents the adult child from becoming financially independent (no age limit).

This extension is not automatic — the beneficiary must petition the Family Court and provide evidence of active enrollment and regular attendance. Courts assess whether studies are the child's principal occupation, particularly when the adult child also holds part-time employment, in which case the support amount may be reduced proportionally.

Navigating post-18 support as a foreign parent

Many of our clients are expats or non-resident parents who receive a support claim after their child turns 18 — often unexpected. Costa Rica's family courts have broad jurisdiction and can enforce orders against parents living abroad through international cooperation treaties. Equally, adult children of foreign parents can file claims in Costa Rica and seek enforcement internationally.

Our team offers fully bilingual (Spanish/English) legal representation and includes the Lic. Ricardo Montes Guevara, one of the co-authors of Costa Rica's Child Support Act, and Dr. Álvaro Ramírez, a retired Family Court judge with 25 years on the bench. This unique combination means we can anticipate exactly how the court will approach your case.

Our Services

Child support legal services

Expert representation for both paying parents and adult beneficiaries.

Child support for university students (18–25)

Filing or contesting post-18 support claims

Support termination proceedings at age 18

Disability-based indefinite support

Enforcement of unpaid support orders

Appeals and judicial remedies

Why choose Jara Rico for child support matters?

Co-author of the Child Support Act

Lic. Ricardo Montes Guevara helped draft Costa Rica's Child Support Act. No one understands its nuances more deeply.

Former Family Court judge

Dr. Álvaro Ramírez presided over the Family and Domestic Violence Court for 25 years — he knows exactly how judges think.

Fully bilingual team

All services available in English and Spanish. Ideal for expats, foreign residents, and international families.

Confidential consultation

Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege. No commitment in the first conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Child support past 18 — your questions answered

We provide clear information to help you understand your legal options and what to expect at every step.

Call: (+506) 2221-0122 WhatsApp: (+506) 8746-2888

Does child support end automatically at age 18 in Costa Rica?

No. While the general rule is that support ends at 18, Costa Rican law allows it to continue up to age 25 if the adult child is actively enrolled in a state-recognised university or technical college and studies are their main occupation. If the child has a disability preventing self-sufficiency, support can be indefinite.

What evidence is needed to extend support past 18?

The adult child (or their representative) must present proof of active enrolment, class attendance, and that studies prevent full-time employment. Courts may periodically request grade transcripts and current registration certificates.

Can the paying parent request termination when the child turns 18?

Yes, the obligor can file a termination motion (incidente de extinción) with the Family Court. If the adult child proves they are studying, the court may maintain or reduce the amount rather than terminate it. Legal representation is strongly recommended for both sides.

Can an adult child file for support in their own name?

Yes. From age 18, the beneficiary has full legal standing to file a support claim independently, without the custodial parent acting on their behalf — common when a student starts university and the parent stops paying.

What happens if the obligor does not pay support for an adult child?

Non-payment carries the same consequences as for minor children: wage garnishment, asset seizure, bank account freezes, and in serious cases a body arrest order (apremio corporal). We represent you in enforcement proceedings.