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

Blocked Estuary May Explain Playa Langosta Fish Die-Off

Sand blocking an estuary's connection to the ocean, combined with reduced freshwater flow during a period of little rain, may explain the mass fish...

Costa Rica’s Marchamo Amnesty Is Off for 2027, So Pay by Dec. 31

The 2027 marchamo amnesty failed, so older unpaid years still carry interest and fines. A new bill targets 2028. Here is what to pay now.

Two Arrested in Killing of American Surfer Kurt Van Dyke in Costa Rica

Costa Rican investigators have arrested two people in the February killing of Kurt Van Dyke. He was the 66-year-old American surfer and Puerto Viejo...

French Woman Found Shot Dead Inside Her Guanacaste Home

A 64-year-old French woman was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head inside her home in Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, on Friday...

Have a US Visa Appointment Wednesday? The Embassy Will Be Closed

The US Embassy and visa section in San José close Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and reopen Thursday.

Luisa Stefani Moves Closer to WTA Finals Semifinals After Dramatic Comeback

Brazil's Luisa Stefani and Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski moved closer to the WTA Finals doubles semifinals Wednesday after producing a dramatic comeback to defeat...

Two Bull Sharks Found Dead in a Guanacaste Estuary They Had Never Been Known to Enter

Two bull sharks, rays and fish were found dead in a sand-blocked estuary at Playa Langosta near Tamarindo. Environmental authorities are investigating the cause.

5 Costa Rica Parks With Closed Trails or New Rules This High Season

High season is starting, and several of Costa Rica's best-known national parks have a trail, an entrance or a whole sector closed. Others are...

Salvadoran Troops Turn Haiti National Stadium Into Base After Retaking It From Gangs

Salvadoran and Haitian forces retook Port-au-Prince's Sylvio Cator stadium from gangs. Bukele says it will now serve as a base for the next push.
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

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