Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
In this year I have received US clients who got married by catholic ceremony in Colombia and they believe it is not legal, because is a religious ceremony and required a civil ceremony.
The answer is NO, catholic marriage because the Concordat Agreement between Colombia and The Vatican, are accepted like if a judge or Colombian notary did it.
However, the concordat also allows to get the dissolution of civil effects of catholic marriage done by Colombian family court and the annulment of catholic marriage done by Catholic tribunal.
This article aims to shed light on the legal aspects that make Catholic marriage recognized and binding within the country.
Legal Recognition in Colombia
Catholic marriage in Colombia is legally recognized and carries the same weight as any other civil marriage. The Colombian state acknowledges the religious institution as a vital part of society, therefore respecting and protecting the rights of couples who choose to marry within the Catholic Church.
The Constitution of Colombia upholds the freedom of religion and ensures that individuals have the right to practice their faith according to their beliefs. Consequently, this includes the right to engage in religious marriage ceremonies conducted by the Catholic Church.
Requirements for Catholic Marriage in Colombia
To have a legally recognized Catholic marriage in Colombia, couples must comply with specific requirements. These requirements include:
Baptism and Confirmation: Both spouses must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, as these sacraments are considered important milestones in a person’s spiritual journey within the Catholic faith.
Pre-marital Counselling and Approval: Couples are typically required to undergo pre-marital counselling, where they receive guidance from priests or religious advisors. Once the counseling is complete, the priest, deacon, or bishop overseeing the process will grant approval for the marriage.
Civil Registration: Colombian law mandates that couples must register their marriage civilly. This is usually done in conjunction with the religious ceremony, ensuring that the marriage is legally recognized by the state.
Legal Benefits and Privileges in Colombia for catholic marriage
By entering a Catholic marriage, couples in Colombia gain access to an array of legal benefits and privileges. These include but are not limited to:
Inheritance Rights: Spouses have the right to inherit property and other assets in the event of their partner’s death, ensuring the protection of their economic interests.
Impediments to Marry: A Catholic marriage grants added legal protection, ensuring that neither spouse is already married or has any other impediments that could affect the validity of the union.
Dissolution and Annulment: In the event of separation, couples can seek appropriate legal proceedings, such as annulment, divorce, or separation, to dissolve the marriage.
Conclusion
Catholic marriages duly registered in the office of records or notary, are fully accepted in any country because Colombia recognized catholic wedding as if a Colombian court or notary performed them.
If you feel your catholic marriage was not duly performed, you did not understand the ceremony or the relationship had fraud issues, please contact us for further consultation.
Esteban Rada
Colombian attorney
email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
telephone 57-311-7693976
