The Gray Divorce Phenomenon in Colombia

4. The Divorce Process in Colombia

4.1 Types

• Mutual consent divorce: Parties submit a joint agreement to a judge or notary.
• Contested divorce: A judge decides when parties cannot agree.

4.2 Legal Requirements

• Minimum two years’ separation (may vary by case).
• Required documents: ID card, marriage certificate, and asset inventory.

4.3 Cost and Duration

• Varies by attorney or firm.
• May extend if marital estate settlement is complex.

5. Marital Estate Settlement

• Identify and value assets and debts.
• Distribute them according to marital property regime.
• Not always required if no shared assets or if terms are agreed.

6. Legal Guidance

• A family lawyer advises on asset division, alimony, custody, and offers emotional support.
• Helps avoid common delays and errors.

7. Statistics and Trends

• ENDS (2015): Divorce among Colombians over 50 rose 72% between 2005–2015 (2.6% men, 2.1% women).
• IPF (2019): U.S. gray divorces doubled in recent decades.
• INEGI (2021): Mexican divorces over 60 increased 56% since 2010. | --- |

References

ENDS. National Demographic and Health Survey, Colombia (2015)