Family Law in Panama and Colombia
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Family Law Specialists in Panama and Colombia
Family law establishes principles that regulate and protect the family. As the family is the foundation of society, it is essential to maintain it strong for the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of its members. At Uribe & Associates, you will find a trusted partner to resolve family conflicts professionally.
Our family law specialists are equipped to provide the following services:
- Divorces.
- Adoptions.
- Custody and Childcare.
- Child Support.
- Prenuptial Agreements.
- Guardianship Proceedings.
- Division of Property.
- Annulment of Marriage.
- Visitation Regulations.
- Paternity Challenges.
- Drafting of Prenuptial Clauses.
- Wills and Probate Proceedings.
- International Child Repatriation.
- Registration of Foreign Divorce Judgments (Execuátur).
- Deprivation and Suspension of Parental Authority.
More Information on Family Law
In Panama, the grounds for divorce are strictly defined. They include: cruel treatment, whether physical or psychological, when it disrupts domestic peace and tranquility; extramarital sexual relations; mutual consent; among others.
Panama is a party to the 1980 Haya Convention and is therefore committed to returning children who have been wrongfully removed to or retained in another state.
In Panama, the competent judge is the circuit family judge. Evidence must support the grounds for the challenge and can be testimonial or documentary, but DNA tests are the most decisive in these cases.
FAQ
This action seeks to contest legal paternity, in accordance with Article 281 of the Family Code of the Republic of Panama, which establishes:
“The action to challenge paternity may be exercised by:
- The alleged child;
- The mother or the alleged father;
- The biological father or anyone legally affected by the act of paternity; and
- The heirs of the aforementioned persons.”
(Family Code of the Republic of Panama, Article 281, enacted by Law 3 of May 17, 1994)
Child custody can be agreed upon mutually by the parents. Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and conciliation, may also be used. However, if these options are not possible, the judicial route is applied. The courts have jurisdiction, and their decisions are based on a set of considerations focused on the best interests of the children.
According to the Family Code of the Republic of Panama, a common-law marriage is the free and voluntary union between two persons legally capable of marrying. This cohabitation must be maintained for a minimum period of five (5) consecutive years, under conditions of singularity and stability, in order to produce the same legal effects as a civil marriage. (Family Code, Article 53, Law No. 3 of 1994).
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