Alimony and child support in Costa Rica ☎️ Pension alimentaria.
In Costa Rica, alimony and child support are essential for supporting families going through separation or divorce. Alimony, known as “pension alimentaria” in Spanish, provides economic support to spouses with financial dependence, helping them maintain the standard of living they had during marriage. Child support ensures that children have the necessary resources for their upbringing. This “alimentary pension” includes food, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, recreational activities, and everyday expenses. As family attorneys, we recognize the importance of both spousal and the rights of minors to a dignified life.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?
There is absolutely no difference between both terms, which are synonims. Alimony is called “pension alimentaria” in Spanish, when referred to the monthly amount that the spouse receives from the other. The term “pensión alimentaria”, can be described as “alimentary pension”, a monthly payment that is deposited by one spouse (or ex spouse), to the other. Thus, alimony and spousal support, mean the same thing in Costa Rica.
How is child support governed by the laws of Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, child support covers the cost of clothing, housing, food, education, medical care, medication, transportation, and utilities. The law requires parents to provide child support from the child’s birth until they reach 18 years of age. However, even if your child is a grown up, but is enrolled in higher education aiming for a degree or profession, child support may continue until the age of 25.
What about alimony? How is it regulated?
Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, covers expenses such as clothing, housing, food, education, medical care, medication, transportation, and utilities. For a spouse to receive alimony, they must demonstrate economic dependence and show that they require financial support. Alimony can only be forfeited in a mutually consented divorce and is not affected by a prenuptial agreement. Additionally, alimony will be forfeited if the receiving party commits adultery or if either party remarries or enters into a common-law marriage.
How do you file for child support or alimony?
It´s important to mention, that you don´t need to be divorced or in the process of getting one, to request alimony. In order to file for either child support or alimony, you should hire our family law firm. Once filed, the Judge will examine the evidence and the monthly amounts requested. He will order a provisional monthly amount, until the final resolution. Failure to comply with both alimony or child support can carry prison time.
Dr. Christopher Pirie Gil.