Family Law · Costa Rica

Family Law in Costa Rica — Expert Legal Representation

Led by a former Family Court judge with 25 years on the bench and the co-drafter of Costa Rica's Child Support Act. Fully bilingual representation for national and international clients.

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Family law services in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Family Code (Código de Familia) and the Code of Family Procedure (Código Procesal de Familia) govern all matters related to marriage, divorce, child custody, support, parental authority, and domestic partnerships. Family law in Costa Rica is substantive and procedurally complex — outcomes depend heavily on how evidence is gathered and presented, and on the court's assessment of each party's credibility. Having a team that understands how judges think from the inside is a decisive advantage.

Divorce in Costa Rica: mutual consent vs. contested

A mutual consent divorce is the fastest route: both parties agree on the terms for child custody, support, and property division, and a notary or court formalises the agreement in 2 to 4 months. A contested divorce involves litigation over one or more of these issues and can take 1 to 3 years. In both cases, each spouse must have independent legal representation. Our team can structure an agreement that protects your interests and minimises future disputes — or represent you firmly in contested proceedings.

Child custody, visitation, and support in Costa Rica

Costa Rican courts apply the principle of the best interests of the child in all custody decisions. Judges evaluate each parent's emotional bond with the child, stability, availability, and living conditions. Shared custody arrangements are increasingly common, particularly when both parents demonstrate commitment and a cooperative co-parenting attitude. Visitation schedules are formalised by court order and are legally enforceable. Child support amounts are calculated based on the obligor's income and the child's documented needs, and can be modified when circumstances change significantly.

Bilingual family law for expats and international clients

Many of our clients are expats, foreign nationals living in Costa Rica, or non-resident parents with family ties in the country. We provide fully bilingual (English/Spanish) legal representation and have extensive experience with cross-border family situations: international enforcement of support and custody orders, Hague Convention proceedings for child abduction cases, and property division in marriages between nationals and foreigners. All client communications, filings, and court-related documents can be provided in both languages.

The Jara Rico advantage in family law

Two credentials set our family law practice apart from every other firm in Costa Rica. Dr. Álvaro Ramírez presided over the Family and Domestic Violence Court for 25 years — he knows exactly how judges evaluate evidence, assess witness credibility, and decide the cases you bring to us. Lic. Ricardo Montes Guevara was a co-drafter of the Child Support Act, the most-cited statute in family courts nationwide. This combination means we do not just know the law — we helped write it, and we have resolved hundreds of cases from the judge's seat.

Our Services

Family law services we provide

Comprehensive coverage of every family law matter — from consultation to trial.

Divorce by mutual consent

Contested divorce proceedings

Child support — claims and defense

Child custody and visitation rights

Reduction or termination of child support

Parental authority (patria potestad)

Domestic partnerships — recognition and rights

Domestic violence — protective orders

International child abduction — Hague Convention

Wills and family successions

Frequently Asked Questions

Family law in Costa Rica — 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

How long does a divorce take in Costa Rica?

A mutual consent divorce (divorcio por mutuo acuerdo) can be completed in 2 to 4 months when both spouses agree on all terms related to children and property. A contested divorce can take between 12 months and 3 years depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

How is child support calculated in Costa Rica?

Support is calculated based on the obligor's income and the beneficiary's documented needs. The court reviews payslips, bank statements, and other evidence of income. Our team includes the co-drafter of Costa Rica's Child Support Act, who can guide you on exactly how courts apply the formula.

What factors does the court consider when deciding child custody?

Costa Rican family courts apply the principle of the best interests of the child (interés superior del menor). They evaluate each parent's stability, availability, emotional bond with the child, living conditions, and history of care. A former Family Court judge is part of our team — he knows firsthand how these evaluations are conducted.

Can I enforce a Costa Rican family court order from abroad?

Yes. Costa Rica participates in international cooperation treaties that allow family court orders — including support and custody — to be enforced abroad. We handle the exequatur process and coordinate with foreign counsel when needed. Our bilingual team is experienced in cross-border family disputes.

Do I need a lawyer for a mutual consent divorce in Costa Rica?

Yes — both parties must have legal representation for a mutual consent divorce to be processed by the notary or court. Having separate attorneys ensures each party's interests are protected and the agreement is drafted correctly, which prevents disputes from re-emerging later.