Divorce & Separation
Notarial and judicial divorce, marital property liquidation, and cross-border family matters in Colombia.
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Colombian law provides two main paths to divorce: notarial divorce by mutual consent and judicial divorce through the courts. Since Law 2442 of 2024, either spouse can also file for divorce by sole will without proving a specific cause, fundamentally changing contested divorce in Colombia.
At Legal Diligence Medellín, we handle divorces for both Colombian nationals and foreigners who married in Colombia or reside here. Foreign marriages are recognized with an apostilled certificate, and we guide clients through every step of the process.
Beyond the divorce itself, we advise on the liquidation of the sociedad conyugal (marital property regime), spousal support (alimentos), custody arrangements, and the dissolution of de facto unions (unión marital de hecho) under Law 54 of 1990.
Problems We Solve
Contested property division
Disagreements over the liquidation of marital assets, hidden property, or debts accumulated during the marriage.
International divorce complexity
Cross-border marriages, foreign judgments requiring recognition (exequatur), and spouses residing in different countries.
Spousal and child support disputes
Conflicts over alimentos obligations, calculation of support amounts, or enforcement of existing support orders.
De facto union dissolution
Proving the existence and duration of a de facto union (unión marital de hecho) to claim patrimonial rights.
Our Approach
Case Assessment
We evaluate your situation to determine the optimal path: notarial, judicial, or unilateral divorce under Law 2442 of 2024.
Negotiation & Filing
We negotiate property division and support terms where possible, then prepare and file all required documentation.
Resolution & Registration
We obtain the divorce decree or public deed and register it with the civil registry to finalize your new legal status.
Frequently Asked Questions
A notarial divorce by mutual consent can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks. Judicial divorce typically takes 6 to 18 months, though contested cases with complex property issues can take longer.
Yes. If you married in Colombia or if either spouse resides here, Colombian courts have jurisdiction. Foreign marriage certificates must be apostilled and translated. Foreign divorce judgments can also be recognized in Colombia through the exequatur process.
Law 2442 allows either spouse to file for divorce by sole will, without needing to prove one of the traditional causes established in the Civil Code. This significantly simplifies the process when mutual consent is not possible.
The sociedad conyugal (marital property regime) must be liquidated. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally between both spouses. Property owned before the marriage or received by inheritance remains separate.
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