Family
Family Code procedure in specialised courts
The 1994 Family Code created dedicated family courts and consolidated marriage, divorce, filiation and child protection. Panama does not recognise same-sex marriage; the Supreme Court rejected challenges in 2023, leaving it one of the few Latin American states without recognition following OC-24/17.
Key rules
- Divorce is available by mutual consent or on statutory grounds including two years' separation.
- Common-law marriage (matrimonio de hecho) can be recognised after five years of stable cohabitation.
- The default property regime is separation of assets unless the parties choose otherwise.
- Child support is fixed by the family court by reference to needs and means, and is enforceable by attachment.
- Adoption is supervised by the Secretaría Nacional de Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia.
Governing law
- Código de la Familia (Ley 3 de 1994)Family law and procedure.
- Ley 42 de 1999Equal opportunities, including disability.
- Ley 82 de 2013Femicide and violence against women.
In practice
Foreign judgments in family matters need exequátur from the Supreme Court's Fourth Chamber. Marriages celebrated abroad are registered with the Tribunal Electoral, which holds the civil registry.