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ADVOCATES4U

 

General Legal Advice: Guidance on various legal matters for individuals and businesses.

Family Law: Divorces, child support, custody, and more.

Civil Law: Contracts, inheritances, properties, auctions.

Administrative Law: Procedures and processes before government entities.

Business Law: Company formation, commercial contracts, business advice.

Immigration Law and Expat Services: Specialized assistance for expatriates in Colombia,
Visa and immigration processes, Legal integration in the country, Property purchase and
contracts, Immigration regularization, Appeal of penalties for overstaying.

Criminal Law: Filling Criminal Complaint, Representation on Criminal Procedures,
Hearing and Police Procedures.

 

 

💔 Marriage, Divorce, Child Support and Family Law in Colombia: A Guide for Expats

 

Love doesn’t know borders — but the law does. Whether you’ve married a Colombian citizen, built a family here, or are going through a difficult separation, understanding Colombian family law is essential to protect your rights and avoid legal surprises.

 

At Advocates4u S.A.S., we’ve helped expats navigate marriage, divorce, custody, and child support cases in Colombia. This guide explains the essentials in simple terms.
 

 

💍 1. Marriage in Colombia: Civil and Religious Options

 

Foreigners can legally marry in Colombia, either:

 

Civilly, before a notary (notaría), declative process under Jurisdicción Voluntaria via judge or Religiously.

 

For foreign citizens, it’s important to present:

 

1. A valid passport

2. Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)

3. Certificate of single status or divorce decree

 

Once the marriage is registered, it’s legally recognized throughout Colombia and, in most cases, can be recognized abroad with proper legalization.

 

⚖️ 2. Divorce in Colombia: Different Rules, Same Outcome

 

 

Colombian law allows both mutual consent, unilateral and contested divorces:

 

By mutual consent: Fast, inexpensive, and done before a notary if there are no underage children involved.

 

Through court: Required when there are disputes over children, assets, or when one spouse refuses to sign.

 

Even if you were married abroad, a divorce can be processed in Colombia if one spouse is Colombian or resides here.

 

🏠 3. Division of Assets

 

Colombian law establishes a marital partnership (“sociedad conyugal”), which means all assets acquired during marriage are presumed to belong equally to both spouses, unless a separation of property agreement exists "capitulaciones".

 

Foreigners should note that properties purchased in Colombia may still fall under this rule — even if the funds came from abroad without subrogation. Having a lawyer review the property titles and marital agreements is essential before or after marriage.

 

👶 4. Child Custody and Parental Rights

 

In Colombia, custody is determined based on the best interest of the child (interés superior del menor).

Courts generally favor shared parental responsibility, unless one parent poses a risk to the child’s wellbeing.

 

If one parent is a foreigner, international custody issues can become complex. Colombia is a signatory to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, which means children cannot be removed from the country without consent or a court order.

 

💸 5. Child Support (Alimony)

 

Child support — called cuota alimentaria — is mandatory for both parents, regardless of nationality.

 

It covers not only food but also housing, healthcare, clothing, and education. Amounts are determined by:

 

1. The child’s needs (necessity)

2. The parent’s income and lifestyle (capacity)

 

Failure to pay child support can result in civil enforcement actions, wage garnishment, and even criminal penalties under Colombian law.

 

💬 6. Common Mistakes Expats Make

 

1. Believing foreign divorce decrees are automatically valid in Colombia — they must be legalized or recognized via “exequatur”, however a notarized divorce agreement can be apostille, translated and register on a Public Notary if that the case.

 

2. Signing property or custody agreements without legal review.

 

3. Leaving Colombia with a child without the other parent’s notarized permission — which can lead to criminal charges.

 

👩‍⚖️ 7. Why You Need a Family Lawyer in Colombia

 

Family disputes in Colombia often involve both civil and notarial procedures, and yes, they can affect your visa status, property rights, and even your ability to travel with your children

 

An experienced attorney ensures your case is handled legally, efficiently, and respectfully — especially if you’re a foreign national unfamiliar with the local system.

 

💼 Advocates4u — Protecting Families, Defending Rights

 

At Advocates4u S.A.S., we provide compassionate, professional legal support for foreigners and mixed-nationality families in Colombia. We handle:
 

Marriage and civil union registrations

Divorce and property settlements

Custody and child support cases

Recognition of foreign judgments (exequatur)
Prenup Agreements (capitulaciones)

 

Let us help you protect what matters most — your family and your peace.

 

📞 WhatsApp: +573045806050 / +573021291394

🌐 Visit: www.advocates4u.com.co

 

 

 

EXPATS SERVICES

 

MIGRATION LAW

Visa Application,
Beneficiary Visas,
Naturalization Letter
Civil Marriage by Power Of Attourney
Appeal of Penalties Imposed for Illegal Overstay,
Request for Political Asylum and Refugee Status
Prenupcial Agremment (Capitulations)


COMMERCIAL LAW

 

Legal Constitution of Business, starting from: $2000 USD + 0.6% on the subscribe capital
Pre-Legal And Legal Collection Actions, To be agreed upon
Brand Registration, starting from: $1200 USD
Registration of Foreign Direct Investment on Bank of the Republic
Sustitution on Foreign Direct Investment
Intellectual Property Registration

Representation on Consumer Protection Action
Representation on Liability Case
Actions for Unfair Competition


PROPERTY LAW

 

Title Study, starting from: $120 USD + 0.6% Property Value
Legal Assistance in Real Estate Purchase, starting from: $300 USD
Constitution or Cancellation of Civil Trust, starting from: $600 USD
Administrative Review of the Catastral Appraisal, starting from: $199 USD
Judicial Review of the Catastral Appraisal, starting from: $1900 USD
Preventive Action for Disturbance (Police Intervention on an Illegal Occupation) and
Police Action for home protection, starting from: $599 USD
Judicial Restitution of Possesion, starting from: $599 USD + 20% of the Annual Rental Value
Horizontal Property Matters, starting from: $99 USD to $ 700 USD
Mutation of Land (addition, sustraction, modification or correction of land measuares), starting from: $1599 USD

FAMILY LAW


Judicial Divorce

Unilateral Divorce From $1300 USD
Divorce by Agreement, from $1000 USD

Judicial Separation of Assets and Liquidation of Partnership

Judicial Declaration of Common-Law Marriage with Partnership

Child Support for Minor, starting from: 20% of the recognized annual amount.

Exemption from Child Support, starting from $2000 USD

Child Support Offer, starting from: $100 USD.

Judicial Collection of Child Support (Execution), starting from $250 USD + 30%. 

Paternity or Maternity Dispute and Investigation

Custody and Personal Care of the Minor, Visitation and Protection of the Minor
ICBF administrative procedures representation

Gift Suggestion

 

CRIMINAL LAW


Filling Criminal Complaint: $699 USD
Assistance on Preliminary Acts: $750 USD
Representation on Indagatory Criminal Hearings with a Judge $900 USD
Representation on Indagatory Hearings with the Local Prosecutor $699 USD
Representation on Indagatory Hearing with the Sectional Prosecutor $2699 USD
Representation on Instruction Hearing from $1200 USD to $10.000 USD
Constitution of Civil Party from $1000 USD.
Extraordinary Resource (Casation or Revision) from $3900 USD

Asset forfeiture from $3900 USD
Legal Representation in Police and Criminal Proceedings, starting from: $900 USD

 

We provide assistance to expats who have been victims of scopolamine or any other drug-related incidents,
as well as cases involving murder, scams, fraud, personal injuries, defamation,
drug possession, and other criminal offenses.

Consultation Price $75 USD
 

 

 

Legal Management for Individuals

 

We offer comprehensive legal services to individuals, ensuring that your personal legal matters are handled with the utmost care and expertise. Our team provides personalized solutions in various areas of law, including but not limited to:

 

Family Law: Divorce, child support, custody, and more.

Civil Law: Contracts, property disputes, inheritance matters, and more.

Administrative Law: Procedures and legal advice related to government entities.

Criminal Law: Legal representation in criminal matters.

Estate Planning: Wills, inheritance, and property management.

Comprehensive Services For Expats.

 

Comprehensive Services for Expats refer to a range of legal and administrative solutions designed to address all the needs of foreigners who wish to live, work, invest, or settle in a country—in this case, Colombia. These services aim to ensure that expats comply with local laws, protect their legal interests, and integrate safely and efficiently.

 

Examples of Comprehensive Services for Expats:

1. Visa and Permit Management:

• Visa applications and renewals.

• Work permits.

• Immigration regularization.

2. Appeals and Litigation:

• Defense in cases of immigration penalties (e.g., overstays).

• Appeals against adverse administrative decisions.

• Legal representation in disputes or judicial cases.

3. Investment and Real Estate Assistance:

• Support in property purchases.

• Verification of contracts and property titles.

4. Business Establishment:

• Company incorporation.

• Advice on commercial contracts and regulatory compliance.

5. Personal and Family Matters:

• Marriage with nationals or other foreigners.

• Child custody and divorce proceedings.

6. Legal and Administrative Integration:

• Registration with government entities.

• Opening bank accounts.

• Guidance on taxes and legal obligations.

7. Rights Protection:

• Defense against potential rights violations.

• Resolution of labor or civil disputes.

 

We are committed to providing high-quality legal assistance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require advice or representation, we are here to help you navigate through your legal challenges effectively.

 

1. Debt Collection Management Plans: From 25% of the recovered debt amount or judicial representation in executive processes against the debtor.

2. Appeal of Traffic Fines: From $380,000 COP, does not include annulment and reinstatement of rights lawsuit.

3. Prescription of Traffic Fines or Taxes: From $395,000 COP with an additional payment of 15% on the amount effectively declared as prescribed.

4. Negotiation with Collection Agencies: From 15% of the total amount.

5. Judicial Representation in Auctions and Insolvency: From 10% of the asset value or total debt amount over 100 million COP, and 30% for amounts up to 100 million COP.

6. Representation in Conciliation Hearings: From $899,900 COP.

7. Legal Assistance in Legal and Pre-Legal Collection Actions: To be agreed upon.

 

 

Terms and conditions apply as per the service contract. No permanence clauses.

INDIVIDUAL CLIENT

 

Prices for individual clients vary depending on the complexity of the matter.
Get in touch with us through our social media for legal advice
and to receive a quote with the total values for your case.

 

Our prices start from: $75 USD.

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Free yourself from worries! Don’t stress anymore.
At Advocates4U, we are here for you.

Our team of legal experts specializes in providing exceptional advice
and strong representation across a wide range of legal areas.

Trust us to resolve your legal issues!

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

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