Uncontested divorce in Guatemala, even if one spouse lives abroad
When both spouses agree, the divorce goes through a family court with a settlement agreement. With the agreement ready, it takes about two weeks to registration with RENAP. Fees from Q5,000.
At a glance
- Route
- Family court (judicial only)
- Requirement
- Married for more than one year
- Time
- About two weeks to RENAP registration
- Fees
- From Q5,000
Key facts
- Service
- Divorce by mutual consent in Guatemala
- Route
- Exclusively judicial, before a family court; there is no notarial divorce
- Requirement
- More than one year of marriage, and the marriage registered in Guatemala
- Agreement
- Four points required by Article 163 of the Civil Code
- Spouse abroad
- Special judicial power of attorney with representation
- Time and fees
- About two weeks with the agreement ready; from Q5,000
Is this for you?
Uncontested means both spouses agree to divorce and on the terms.
You both agree
On the divorce and on children, support and property.
One of you lives abroad
The spouse abroad signs a special power of attorney; no travel needed.
You married in Guatemala
Or your foreign marriage is registered with RENAP.
The four points the agreement must cover
Article 163 of the Civil Code requires them.
Children
Who the children will live with.
Child support
Who will support and educate the children, and how much each spouse contributes.
Spousal support
What support, if any, is paid to the spouse without sufficient income.
Guarantee
What guarantee secures those obligations.
How it works
The longest part is usually reaching the agreement, not the court.
Agreement
We draft the agreement with both spouses.
Before filingFiling
We file the case with the family court.
Once signedJudgment
The court approves the agreement and grants the divorce.
About two weeks in totalRegistration
We register the judgment with RENAP; free within 30 days of the judgment.
Final stepTimelines and fees
Attorney fees start at Q5,000. The final amount depends on children, property to divide and whether a spouse lives abroad. Registering the judgment with RENAP is free within 30 days; after that, a late fee of Q25 applies. Message us on WhatsApp for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a divorce cost in Guatemala?
Our attorney fees for an uncontested divorce start at Q5,000. Court costs are added, and registering the judgment with RENAP is free within 30 days.
How long does it take?
With the agreement ready and documents complete, about two weeks until registration with RENAP.
Can we divorce before a notary?
No. In Guatemala, divorce is always judicial, even when both spouses agree.
Can I divorce if I live in the United States?
Yes. You sign a special judicial power of attorney with representation where you live, and your attorney appears in court for you.
How long do we need to be married?
More than one year from the date of the marriage.
We married abroad. Can we divorce in Guatemala?
The marriage must first be registered in Guatemala. We can help register it.
Lic. Sergio Alvarez
Lic. Sergio Alvarez handles uncontested divorces for couples in Guatemala and abroad, and drafts the agreement so the court can approve it quickly.
- Attorney and Notary — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- LL.M. in Finance — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- MBA — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- Master in Management — Tulane University
- Specialization in Corporate Law — Universidad del Istmo
- Diploma in Finance — INCAE Business School and Georgetown University
Let's talk about your divorce
Tell us where each spouse lives, whether you have children and whether you already agree on the terms. We will reply with the steps and a quote.