Costa Rica/Divorcing a U.S. Citizen

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Expert: Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson. - 4/20/2011


Question
My husband, who was born and raised in the U.S., travels to Costa Rica frequently because he has a business there.  Can he, as a U.S. citizen, divorce me, a U.S. citizen, in Costa Rica without me appearing in Costa Rica and without my knowledge.  If so, what would he have to do?  If he has divorced me without my knowledge, is that a matter of public record?  If so, how could I find out?  Also, if he did divorce me, could I then claim a portion of his business and property in Costa Rica even though he had it incorporated?

Answer
He can divorce you here, you would have to be notified but sometimes there are also ways to get around that.
He would first have to file the marriage in Costa Rica and then file for divorce through an Attorney at the court in Costa Rica.
If he has divorced you I can find out by checking marriage records here, You are entitled to a 50% portion of all marital assets, if some of those assets are in corporations it is a matter of proving that he owns the corporation which can be done although not always easy.

Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.
attorneykearney@yahoo.com
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Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.

Expertise

American/Costarrican Attorney at Law/Real Estate Broker, We specialize in relocation and expat services related to Costa Rica, Residency, Immigration proceedures,Real Estate sales, International Law, Business Law, Corporations, Family Law, Wedding planning, private investigations and genealogical research, Notarial services, tax shelters, Civil and Criminal Law, serving of court documents. We can also advise on several other aspects related to Costa Rica, such as Tourism, everyday living, culture, etc.

Experience

Over 17 years experience with clients from over 75 countries,

Organizations
Masonic Lodge Lions Club Community developement association Supreme Tribunal of Elections

Publications
La Republica Newspaper, Tico Times, AM Costa Rica, La Prensa Libre, La Nación, Daily Extra, Gamma Liason news agency, SIPA Press, SYGMA News agency, Channel 6,7,11,13,19,42 TV

Education/Credentials
Autonomous University of Central America Univerisity of Costa Rica Glendale College Lumbleau Real Estate School

Awards and Honors
Numerous certificates and distinctions from the Barr Association, the Journalists association,the medical association, the Supreme Court,the Judicial Power (OIJ) Eagle scout badge with three palms

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