How much does a divorce cost in Costa Rica in 2026?

How much does a divorce by mutual consent cost?

Divorce by mutual consent is usually the most orderly alternative when both spouses wish to end the marriage and have reached agreements about its consequences.

In Costa Rica, the agreement must be formalized in a public deed and presented for approval before the competent court. The document must cover matters corresponding to the couple and, where applicable, minor children and marital assets. The court may request clarifications or modifications if it considers that the agreement is incomplete or may affect the rights of minors. 

The cost will depend on, among other factors:

• The preparation and review of the agreement.
• Public deed.
• The quantity of goods that must be distributed.
• The complexity of family agreements.
• The required documents and certifications.
• The necessary steps to obtain judicial approval.

Although it is usually less complex than a contested divorce, it is important that the agreement be carefully drafted. An imprecise agreement can later lead to conflicts over property, debts, custody, or the fulfillment of obligations.

How much does a divorce with marital property cost?

Community property refers to assets, rights, or economic benefits acquired by either spouse during the marriage as a result of the couple's effort, work, or economic activity. In Costa Rica, this property can be divided between both spouses upon divorce, except for the exceptions provided by law. How much does a divorce with community property cost?

• The type of divorce.
• The existence of marital assets.
• The presence of minor children.
• Agreements or disagreements regarding custody and visitation rights.
• The need to present evidence, hold hearings, or request provisional measures.
• The existence of companies, properties, investments, or debts.
• The residence of one of the spouses outside of Costa Rica.
• The need to translate, apostille or legalize foreign documents.

It is not the same to process a divorce in which both parties agree as it is to deal with a conflict related to family businesses, assets in different countries or property whose value must be determined through a specialized appraisal.

When there are companies, investments, corporate structures or assets of significant value, the participation of financial, accounting or valuation specialists may be necessary.

¿How much does a divorce due to irreconcilable differences cost?

When there is no agreement between the spouses, one of the possibilities recognized by Costa Rican legislation is to request a divorce due to incompatibility of character.

The regulations allow one of the parties to request it when incompatibility prevents continuing to live together, after six months have passed since the celebration of the marriage. 

Its cost may be higher than that of a divorce by mutual consent because it could require:

• Preparation and Filing of the Claim
• Responding to the other party's arguments.
• Court hearings.
• Presentation and analysis of tests
• Negotiations during the process.
• Discussion about property, children, and financial obligations.
• Judicial monitoring for a longer period.

The duration and cost will depend especially on the level of conflict and the number of issues that need to be resolved.

What expenses might be involved in a divorce?

The cost of a divorce isn't always limited to attorney fees. Depending on the case, there may be other related expenses, such as:

Professional fees

They include legal analysis, document preparation, representation, negotiations, appearances, and case tracking.

Costa Rica has a professional fee schedule that serves as a reference for calculating attorney and notary fees. However, the specific estimate should reflect the work involved, the responsibility involved, and the complexity of each case.

Notary fees

They can be presented when it is necessary to grant deeds, authenticate documents, prepare powers of attorney or formalize the divorce agreement.

Certifications and documents

According to the procedure, certificates of marriage, birth, property, companies or other relevant documents can be requested.

Appraisals and expert reports

When there are properties, businesses, or assets whose value is in dispute, it may be necessary to consult specialized professionals and appraisals.

Translations, apostilles and legalizations

International divorces may require documents issued in other countries, official translations, or procedures to prove their authenticity.

How much does a divorce cost when there are minor children?

The presence of minor children does not necessarily mean that a divorce must become a contentious process. However, it does require that the agreements be clear and protect their rights.

Aspects that may require regulation include:

• Guardianship, upbringing and education.
• The usual residence.
• The communication and visitation regime.
• The distribution of responsibilities.
• Financial obligations.
• The way to make important decisions for children.

In a divorce by mutual consent, these matters must be addressed in the agreement submitted for judicial approval. 

If there is no agreement, it will be necessary to resolve them through the appropriate channels, which may increase the duration, professional work and total cost.