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

Dollar Rebounds From Record Low but Year-End Could Favor the Colón Again

The dollar hit its highest level since June after a record low, but seasonal inflows could push it back down. Here is what banks are paying.

Costa Rica Data Center Proposal Draws Water Concerns

Residents protested a possible data center in Bagaces on Saturday, raising concerns about water use and demanding more information, while the mayor said no...

Three Missing After Being Swept Away at Tarrazú Waterfall and Guanacaste Beach

Three people remain missing after strong currents swept them away in two separate incidents today, one at a waterfall in the Los Santos region...

Costa Rica Tourism Loses 20,000 Jobs as Strong Colón Squeezes Small Operators

Costa Rica's tourism sector employs 20,137 fewer people than two years ago, with microbusinesses hit hardest as the strong colón erodes margins.

Costa Rica Airport Warns Drone Incidents Are Disrupting Flights

Reports of drones flying near San Jose's Juan Santamaría International Airport have increased sharply this year, prompting airport officials to warn that unauthorized flights...

Water Rationing Hits 74 Communities as El Niño Dries Out Costa Rica’s Pacific Side

If you live on Costa Rica's northern Pacific side, your tap may already be running on a schedule. Community water systems in 74 communities...

Costa Rica Ranks Fifth in the World for Retirees in Global Relocation Index

Costa Rica ranks 20th out of 192 countries and territories in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, and fifth in the world for retirees, according...

Costa Rica’s Laguna Río Cuarto Loses Visitor Services

Laguna Río Cuarto will remain accessible, but the community organization managing the Costa Rica attraction will stop providing visitor services beginning September 28.

Honduras Adopts El Salvador-Style Prison Measures Against Gangs

Honduras has approved stricter prison rules targeting suspected gang members and drug traffickers, adopting measures similar to those used in El Salvador’s anti-gang crackdown.
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

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