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

Woman Sought After 74-Year-Old American Found Dead in Playas del Coco

Police in Guanacaste are seeking a woman seen leaving a Playas del Coco condominium where a 74-year-old American man was later found dead.

Costa Rica Prison Faces Court Challenge Before Inmate Transfers Begin

A prisoners’ rights group has asked Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court to stop inmate transfers to the newly inaugurated CACCO prison, saying concerns about heat,...

Some Liberia Hospital Patients Have Waited Nearly a Week in a Chair for a Bed

Patients at Guanacaste's main public hospital in Liberia say they have spent up to six days sleeping in emergency-room chairs while waiting for a bed.

Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy Wins in Portugal and Jumps 20 Places Toward the 2027 World Tour

Costa Rican surfer Brisa Hennessy won the EDP Ericeira Pro with a late 7.50 wave, climbing from 24th to fourth in the Challenger Series standings with one event left.

More Than 400 Buildings Sit in the Path of Costa Rica’s Electric Train

Incofer's feasibility study found more than 400 homes, shops and buildings inside the rail right-of-way for the Tibi electric train. The state must also buy 145 private lots by 2028.

Costa Rica’s National Theater Celebrates 129 Years With Free Tours and Concerts Today

Costa Rica's National Theater is celebrating its 129th anniversary today, with free guided tours, live music and activities in downtown San José, giving everyone...

Your Android Phone May Soon Warn You Before a Costa Rica Earthquake Hits

Google is expanding its Android earthquake alerts to more than 200 countries, and Costa Rica has been reported among them. Here is what to check on your phone, and what to use until the alerts switch on.

Costa Rica Raises Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Rates for 2027

Anyone owning a car in Costa Rica will face higher mandatory insurance costs in 2027, with private vehicles, motorcycles and buses among the categories...

Costa Rica Through A Canadian’s Eyes: More Than Just Pura Vida

It has been nine years since I made the move from Canada to Costa Rica, and I often find myself asking a simple question:...
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

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