Family Law Services in Colombia

Family law in Colombia covers a wide range of different legal services. Child support, child custody, marriage, divorce and prenuptial agreements to name a few, family law encompasses a large part of the legal system in Colombia.

We offer a wide range of family law services to help you navigate the complexities of family law, including:

Getting Married in Colombia

If you are a foreigner getting married in Colombia or marrying a Colombian, there are several important things you should know about the law in Colombia. Here are some key considerations:

Marriage Requirements

In Colombia, both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married. Foreigners must have a valid passport and a visa that allows them to stay in Colombia for at least 15 days after the wedding. You will also need to provide proof of your civil status, such as a single status certificate or a divorce decree.

Civil and Religious Marriage

In Colombia, you can have a civil or religious marriage. A civil marriage is recognized by the state, while a religious marriage is not legally binding unless it is registered with the civil registry office. If you choose to have a religious marriage, you will need to have a civil ceremony first.

Property Rights

In Colombia, property acquired during a marriage is considered joint property, regardless of who purchased it. This means that if you get married in Colombia, you will need to consider how you want to handle property ownership and division in the event of a divorce.

Divorce

In Colombia, divorce is legal and relatively easy to obtain. However, if you are a foreigner, it may be more difficult to navigate the legal system and protect your interests. It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

Prenuptial Agreements

If you are getting married in Colombia, you may want to consider a prenuptial agreement to protect your assets and clarify property ownership. Prenuptial agreements are recognized in Colombia, but they must be drafted and signed before the wedding.

If you are a foreigner getting married in Colombia or marrying a Colombian, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your interests. Contact us at Colombia Law Connection to learn more about our family law services and how we can help you.

Getting Divorced in Colombia

If you are a foreigner living in Colombia and facing divorce, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal system and unsure of your rights and options. We understand how difficult this can be, and we are here to help. In this section, we will discuss what you need to know about divorce in Colombia as a foreigner. For more detailed information about divorce in Colombia, click here.

Grounds for Divorce in Colombia

In Colombia, there are three grounds for divorce:

• Mutual consent: Both parties agree to divorce and there are no disputes over property or child custody.
• Separation for at least two years: The parties have lived apart for at least two years and there are no disputes over property or child custody.
• Fault: One party is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage due to infidelity, domestic violence, or other serious misconduct.

It is important to note that fault-based divorces can be more complex and contentious than mutual consent or separation-based divorces. If you are considering a fault-based divorce, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your interests.

Jurisdiction in Divorce Cases

In Colombia, divorce cases are handled by the civil court in the jurisdiction where either party lives. If both parties live in different jurisdictions, the divorce case can be filed in either jurisdiction. However, if one party lives abroad, the divorce case can only be filed in the jurisdiction where the other party lives.

Property Division

In Colombia, property acquired during the marriage is considered joint property, regardless of who purchased it. This means that in a divorce, all joint property must be divided equitably between the parties. Joint property includes:

• Real estate, such as homes, land, and commercial property
• Bank accounts
• Stocks, bonds, and other investments
• Cars and other vehicles
• Personal property, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics
• Intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents

If you are a foreigner, property division can be especially complex, as it may involve property located outside of Colombia. It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options and protect your interests.

Child Custody and Support

In Colombia, child custody and support are determined based on the best interests of the child. The court will consider factors such as the child's age, health, education, and relationship with each parent when making a decision. Both parents have the right to seek custody and visitation, unless one parent is deemed unfit or the child is in danger.

Child support is determined based on the needs of the child and the income of both parents. If you are a foreigner, child custody and support can be especially complex, as it may involve issues such as international travel and communication. It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate these issues and protect your interests.

International Divorce

If you are a foreigner living in Colombia and seeking a divorce, you may face additional challenges if you and your spouse are from different countries. International divorces can involve complex legal issues such as jurisdiction, property division, and child custody. It is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who is familiar with international divorce law and can help you navigate these issues.

Enforcement of Divorce Decrees

If you obtain a divorce decree in Colombia, it is important to ensure that it is enforceable in your home country. Many countries have reciprocal agreements with Colombia regarding the recognition and enforcement of divorce decrees. However, if your home country does not have such an agreement, you may need to take additional legal steps to ensure that your divorce is recognized and enforceable.

Prenuptial Agreements in Colombia

Prenuptial agreements, also known as prenups, are legal agreements that couples enter into before getting married to determine how their assets will be divided in case of divorce or separation. While prenups are not mandatory in Colombia, they can be useful for protecting assets and avoiding conflicts in the event of a divorce. At Colombia Law Connection, we can help foreigners navigate the process of creating a prenuptial agreement in Colombia.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract that outlines how a couple's assets will be divided in the event of a divorce or separation. Prenups can address issues such as property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights. They can also include provisions regarding the distribution of joint assets, such as bank accounts and real estate.

In Colombia, prenups can be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each couple. However, they must be in compliance with Colombian law and cannot violate the rights of any party.

Why Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?

There are several reasons why a couple may consider a prenuptial agreement:

• Protecting assets: A prenup can protect individual assets that were acquired before the marriage or inherited during the marriage.
• Avoiding conflicts: A prenup can prevent conflicts and disputes in the event of a divorce or separation by clearly outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party.
• Business interests: If one or both parties own a business, a prenup can protect the business interests and prevent any disruption in its operation in case of a divorce.
• Planning for the future: A prenup can also include provisions for future events, such as the birth of children or changes in income or assets.

How Can Colombia Law Connection Help?

At Colombia Law Connection, we can assist foreign clients with their prenuptial agreement needs in Colombia. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through the process of creating a prenup that is in compliance with Colombian law and meets your specific needs and circumstances. We can also provide legal advice and representation in case of any disputes or challenges to the prenup.

Our services include:

• Consultation: We offer a consultation to discuss your specific needs and circumstances and provide legal advice on the creation of a prenup.
• Drafting: We can draft a prenuptial agreement that is in compliance with Colombian law and tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
• Reviewing: We can review a prenup that has been drafted by another party and provide legal advice and feedback.
• Negotiating: We can negotiate the terms of a prenup with your partner to ensure that your interests are protected.
• Dispute resolution: If a dispute arises over a prenup, we can provide legal representation and guidance to resolve the issue through negotiation or litigation.

If you are a foreigner living in Colombia and considering a prenuptial agreement, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney who is familiar with Colombian law and can provide legal advice and representation. At Colombia Law Connection, we are dedicated to helping our clients protect their interests and navigate the legal system in Colombia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your prenuptial agreement needs.

Child Custody Legal Services in Colombia

If you require assistance with a child custody matter here in Colombia, we have a dedicated team of family lawyers who understand that this is not only a delicate matter, but deals with the most important people in your life, your children.

If you are a foreigner living in Colombia and are facing child custody issues, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to help you understand the legal process and provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve a positive outcome.

Our Child Custody Services

We offer a wide range of child custody services to meet the unique needs of our clients. These services include:

Legal Advice and Representation

Our team of lawyers will provide you with expert legal advice and representation throughout the entire child custody process. We will work with you to understand your unique situation, assess your legal options, and help you make informed decisions.

Mediation and Negotiation

We understand that not all child custody cases need to be litigated in court. That is why we offer mediation and negotiation services to help you resolve your child custody issues outside of the courtroom. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and will work diligently to reach an amicable resolution that is in the best interests of your child.

Child Custody Litigation

If mediation and negotiation are not successful, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We will prepare a strong case on your behalf and present it to the judge to ensure that your rights as a parent are protected.

Modification of Custody Orders

If you already have a child custody order in place but need to modify it, we can help. Our lawyers will work with you to understand your reasons for wanting to modify the custody order and will prepare a strong case to present to the court.

Why Choose Colombia Law Connection for Your Child Custody Needs?

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you in your child custody case is crucial. We have a team of experienced lawyers who are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us:

Experience

Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in child custody cases in Colombia. We have a deep understanding of the legal system and can provide you with expert advice and representation.

Personalized Attention

We understand that every child custody case is unique. That is why we provide personalized attention to each of our clients. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and goals and develop a legal strategy that is tailored to your situation.

Bilingual Services

Our team is fluent in both Spanish and English, which means we can communicate effectively with our clients and ensure that they understand the legal process.

Results-Driven

Our lawyers are results-driven and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. We are committed to fighting for your rights as a parent and will not stop until we have achieved a positive outcome.

Contact Us Today

If you are a foreign national living in Colombia and are facing child custody issues, do not hesitate to contact Colombia Law Connection. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal system and protect your rights as a parent.

To learn more about our child custody services or to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve a positive outcome in your child custody case.