HomeArchiveHigh Court Annuls 3-Year Wait to Divorce

High Court Annuls 3-Year Wait to Divorce

A Costa Rican court has struck down the contentious three-year minimum rule for married couples before they can file for divorce.

The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala IV) ruled unanimously last week that the clause is unconstitutional “for violating the principle of a person’s autonomy,” according to a court press release.

Sala IV erased the part of Article 48 of the Family Code that says “you must not request (divorce) except after three years of marriage,” the press release said.

Ruling on the case brought by Mariano Castillo, the court also struck down Article 60, which bound couples for two years before they could legally seek separation.

 

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s President Says US Government Already Operates on Costa Rican Soil

President Laura Fernández said U.S. government agencies already carry out operations on Costa Rican territory, describing them as the continuation of existing security arrangements...

Costa Rica’s Public Healthcare System Considers Offering Ozempic and Other Weight-Loss Drugs

Costa Rica's public healthcare system is evaluating medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy to treat diabetes and obesity. The CCSS has not announced when the drugs might become available or which patients would qualify.

Costa Rica Gives SINPE Móvil Businesses 12 Months to Register Payment Numbers or Face Fines

If you get paid through SINPE Móvil for a business, a rental or freelance work in Costa Rica, you will soon have to tell...

Three Paperwork Problems Led Costa Rica to Deny Beéle Concert Permit

Immigration says a contract filed for the Beéle concert listed a signer who was not in Costa Rica. Ticket refunds start automatically Monday.

Costa Rica Faces an $882 Million Revenue Hole as Courts, Police and Schools Take Cuts

Costa Rica expects to collect about ₡400,000 million ($882 million) less than it budgeted for 2026, and the Finance Ministry is asking lawmakers to...

No Roads, No Cars, Just Tarpon at Costa Rica’s Silver King Lodge

How a remote Caribbean river became tarpon fishing's proving ground, and how Silver King Lodge is reviving it.

US Citizens in La Fortuna Can Renew Passports Locally This Thursday

If you are a US citizen living near Arenal, you can renew your passport this Thursday without making the trip to San José. The...

Costa Rica Study Reveals Key Coastal Habitats for Endangered Giant Manta Rays

Researchers tracking endangered giant manta rays in Costa Rica have discovered that younger animals remain close to coastal habitats while adults travel across international waters. The findings could help guide future marine conservation efforts.

Costa Rica Could Lose 24-Hour Tsunami Monitoring Over University Cuts

Costa Rica's tsunami warning center says it will stop round-the-clock monitoring of the country's coasts on Jan. 1, 2027, unless the government and lawmakers...
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel