Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
Divorce can be a complicated process, particularly when it involves international elements such as marriages that cross borders. Many individuals find themselves in situations where they are married in one country and seek a divorce in another. This is a common scenario for those who marry abroad and later move to the United States. Understanding the validity of a divorce in such cases is crucial for those navigating these legal waters.
Understanding Marriage and Divorce Laws
Marriage and divorce laws vary significantly from one country to another. In Colombia, marriage is regulated under the Colombian Civil Code, which outlines the requirements for both marriage and divorce. In the United States, each state has its own set of laws governing marriage and divorce. This discrepancy can lead to confusion when a couple’s marital status is questioned across jurisdictions.
Validity of Divorce
In general, a divorce obtained in the United States is recognized globally HOWEVER is it not AUTOMATICALLY, including in Colombia. For a USA divorce to be valid, we perform a legal study to determine if the USA DIVORCE met the requirements of Colombian divorce law, if it did, we can suggest the most economic and quickest way to obtain its validation.
NOW , if the US DIVORCE did not meet the requirement, other divorce under Colombia law would be needed, we would suggest the type and the cause for divorce.
Legal Considerations in Colombia
Colombian law DOES NOT recognizes divorces granted in other countries AUTOMATICALLY, including the U.S. This has been a everyday consultation and despite all the opinion of US lawyers telling american clients that Colombia does, again YOUR US DIVORCE IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY ACCEPTED IN COLOMBIA.
In conclusion, a divorce obtained in the United States is not generally valid for a marriage that took place in Colombia, provided that the U.S. court had proper jurisdiction and the divorce process was followed correctly. However, individuals should be aware of the legal requirements in both countries to ensure that their divorce is recognized and that they can move forward with their lives without legal complications.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to consult us, we are legal professionals who specialize in family law and international matters.
Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
