What Is Alimony in Costa Rica?

✅ What Is Alimony in Costa Rica?

Alimony is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse or former spouse when certain conditions exist. It is intended to cover essential needs such as:

• Housing
• Food and basic living expenses
• Healthcare
• Clothing
• Education or training
• Other necessary support for daily life

This obligation applies regardless of gender and is based on financial need and the economic imbalance between the two parties.

⚖️ Who Qualifies for Alimony?

A spouse may qualify for alimony in Costa Rica if any of the following conditions are met:

✔ Economic dependence during the marriage
If one spouse dedicated their time to home, children, or supporting the other’s career, alimony may be granted.

✔ Significant income imbalance
If one party earns substantially more than the other, the court may order support to maintain a fair standard of living.

✔ Health, age, or special conditions
A spouse who is unable to work or has limited capacity to earn may receive support.

✔ Unilateral divorce
In cases where only one spouse requests the divorce, the other may be entitled to temporary or long-term alimony.

🔍 How Is Alimony Calculated?

Costa Rican courts analyze several factors:

• Each spouse’s income and financial resources
• Duration of the marriage
• Standard of living during the relationship
• Contribution to household duties and family care
• Care of children
• Health and age of each partner

There is no fixed formula; instead, the judge determines a fair amount based on evidence and financial documentation.

🛑 When Can Alimony Be Denied or Terminated?

Alimony may be denied or stopped if the receiving spouse:

• Enters a new stable relationship
• Remarries
• Gains economic independence
• Acts in bad faith or commits serious misconduct
• No longer meets the legal requirements for support

SAP Legal can help you analyze your specific situation and determine whether you may qualify—or whether you have grounds to challenge an alimony claim.

⚠️ What Happens If Someone Refuses to Pay Alimony?

Failing to comply with an alimony order in Costa Rica has serious consequences, including:

• Salary garnishment
• Seizure of assets and bank accounts
• Travel restrictions
• Possible apremio corporal (jail time) for repeated non-payment
• Legal actions and civil liabilities

Proper legal representation is essential to avoid these risks or enforce your rights.

👩‍⚖️ SAP Legal: Specialized Support in Alimony and Family Law

At SAP Legal, we provide comprehensive legal assistance for:

• Alimony claims and defenses
• Divorce (mutual consent or unilateral)
• Modification of existing alimony orders
• Collection of overdue payments
• Protection of assets and financial rights
• Negotiation and mediation to reduce conflict

Our approach is technical, strategic, and deeply human, ensuring that each client receives personalized guidance and strong representation.

📩 Need legal help with alimony or divorce in Costa Rica?

Whether you want to request alimony, modify an existing order, or defend yourself against an unfair claim, SAP Legal is here to protect your rights.

SAP Legal — Family Law with a human and technical approach.

Your peace of mind and financial stability matter.

https://www.sap.cr

info@sap.cr