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

Study Finds Costa Rica’s Pesticide Use More Than 10 Times Global Average

Costa Rica uses pesticides on its farmland at a rate more than ten times the global average, according to a scientific study that raises...

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...

Costa Rica’s First Cold Push of the Season Brings Stronger Winds and Rain

Costa Rica is beginning to feel the effects of the first cold push of the season, bringing stronger winds to Guanacaste and the Central...

Planned US Embassy Visit Leads to Arrest of Man Wanted in Georgia

A man wanted in Georgia was detained in Costa Rica after US authorities flagged a planned visit to the US Embassy.

Costa Rica’s Capital Gets a Temporary Forest and Free Saturday Music

A temporary forest at the entrance to the Central Bank Museums will host a free music event Saturday, giving residents and visitors yet another...

Costa Rica Opens Bidding for $770 Million San José–San Ramón Highway Expansion

Costa Rica has opened international bidding for a $770 million expansion of the San José–San Ramón highway. The project includes additional lanes, new bridges, upgraded interchanges and proposed tolls, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

Bryan Ruiz Named Costa Rica Head Coach After Two Wins as Interim

Costa Rica has named former captain Bryan Ruiz head coach of its men's national team, giving the permanent job to the man who led...

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.

Police Name 22-Year-Old Suspect in Playas del Coco Killing of American

Costa Rican judicial police released a photo today of the main suspect in the killing of an American man in Playas del Coco and...
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

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