Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
By 2025, Colombia’s divorce laws have continued to evolve to reflect societal changes, promote family well-being, and streamline legal processes. The legal framework governing divorce in Colombia is primarily established under the Civil Code, with recent reforms aimed at reducing procedural burdens and ensuring the protection of the rights of both spouses and children.
Legal Grounds for Divorce
In Colombia, divorce can be granted based on various grounds, including mutual consent and judicially recognized causes. As of 2025, the key developments in divorce law include:
- Mutual Consent Divorce: This remains the most straightforward path, allowing spouses to divorce amicably if both agree. The process is simplified, requiring minimal procedural steps, and is designed to resolve quickly and efficiently.
- Divorce for Judicial Causes: When mutual consent is absent, divorce can be granted based on specific grounds such as infidelity, abuse, abandonment, or prolonged separation. The law emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable parties, especially minors and victims of abuse.
- Unilateral decision. One spousal decides to not continue the marriage
Recent Reforms and Innovations
Several notable reforms have shaped Colombia’s divorce law landscape in 2025:
- Streamlining Procedures: The Colombian government has introduced measures to expedite divorce processes, including online filing systems and reduced court hearings, aiming to make the process more accessible and less burdensome.
- Protection of Minors and Family Rights: Reforms have reinforced provisions for safeguarding the interests of children, including custody arrangements and visitation rights that prioritize the child’s well-being.
- Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages: Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Colombia in 2016, divorce laws now explicitly include provisions for divorce proceedings involving same-sex couples, ensuring equal treatment under the law.
- Alimony and Property Division: The law emphasizes fair division of assets and the provision of alimony when appropriate, considering the economic contributions of each spouse and the needs of dependents.
Procedural Aspects
Divorce proceedings in Colombia can be initiated in civil courts. Key procedural features include:
- Mutual Consent Divorce: Typically requires both spouses to submit a joint petition, with minimal court intervention, especially if no children are involved and property division is agreed upon.
- Contested Divorce: In cases of disagreement, courts conduct hearings to determine custody, alimony, and asset division, prioritizing the best interests of minors.
- Online and Remote Proceedings: The judicial system’s digital transformation has made it possible to conduct many stages of divorce proceedings remotely, increasing efficiency and accessibility.
If you need further information, please contact us
Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
