Marriage, divorce, custody, adoption, and cross-border family matters — handled by bilingual attorneys who understand both Colombian family code and the complexities facing international families.
Colombia uses a civil law system where family matters are governed by the Colombian Civil Code and the Code of Childhood and Adolescence. Family courts (Juzgados de Familia) handle contested matters, while many uncontested proceedings can be completed through a notaría — Colombia's notary offices, which have broader legal authority than notaries in common-law countries.
For international clients, the key complexity is often jurisdictional. If one spouse is Colombian and the other is foreign, or if children hold dual nationality, the legal analysis involves both Colombian domestic law and applicable international treaties. Colombia is a signatory to the Hague Convention on international child abduction and recognises foreign marriages and divorces through an apostille and registration process.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling these cross-border dimensions, including coordinating with legal counsel in your home country when needed.
Civil and religious marriage registration, document apostille requirements, and recognition of foreign marriages in Colombia. Both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages are legally recognised.
Colombian law defaults to a marital property regime (sociedad conyugal). A prenuptial agreement (capitulaciones matrimoniales) must be executed before a notary prior to the marriage to modify this default.
Mutual-consent divorces can be completed at a notaría in as little as one appointment. Contested divorces go through family court, with typical timelines of 6–18 months.
Colombian law prioritises the best interests of the child. Custody (custodia), visitation (régimen de visitas), and child support (cuota alimentaria) can be resolved by mutual agreement or court order.
Each matter is handled by a family law specialist in our network — not a generalist.
Document preparation, apostille guidance, notaría appointments, and registration of foreign marriages. Includes same-sex marriage and unión marital de hecho (common-law partnerships).
Drafting and notarisation of capitulaciones matrimoniales. Asset inventory, property exclusion clauses, and cross-jurisdictional coordination for binational couples.
Streamlined notaría-based divorce for couples in agreement on all terms. Includes property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations.
Full representation in family court proceedings. Includes filing, evidence preparation, hearings, and enforcement of court orders.
Custody agreements, modification of existing orders, visitation schedules, and international custody disputes under the Hague Convention.
Guidance through ICBF (Colombian Family Welfare Institute) adoption processes, eligibility requirements, home study coordination, and post-adoption legalisation.
Tell us about your situation. We will connect you with a family law specialist in the right city.
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