Living outside of Colombia doesn’t mean your legal ties to the country have disappeared. If you were married in Colombia and now live in the United States, you may eventually consider getting divorced. According to abogados de familia en cali, “the good news is you don’t need to return in person to make it happen.”
More and more Colombians abroad are looking to legally end relationships that, emotionally, are already over. Whether it’s for a fresh start, emotional well-being, or simply to move forward formally, getting a divorce from abroad is a totally viable option. The key is understanding how to do it right to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Can You Get Divorced from Abroad?
Yes—and it’s more common than you might think. As long as your marriage was registered in Colombia, you can initiate the process from anywhere in the world, including the U.S. There’s no need to travel.
This is possible thanks to a poder especial, or special power of attorney, a legal document that allows a lawyer in Colombia to represent you before a notary or a judge. As abogados cali put it, “You can continue your life in the U.S. while the legal process moves forward in Colombia.”
Over time, the Colombian legal system has adapted to meet the needs of citizens living abroad. Today, many procedures can be handled entirely remotely—as long as the paperwork is properly legalized and you have good legal guidance.
Types of Divorce in Colombia
Before getting into paperwork or legal representation, it’s important to identify which type of divorce applies to your situation:
Mutual Agreement Divorce: This is the simplest route. If both parties agree to the separation and there are no disputes over children or assets, the process can even be done through a notary, without any court hearings or delays.
Contested Divorce: This occurs when one party does not agree to the divorce or there’s disagreement over key issues. It’s a longer process and goes through the judicial system.
Unilateral Divorce: This legal basis allows one party to initiate divorce without the other’s consent. It can be faster but requires some level of acceptance or acknowledgment by the other person.
What Do I Need to File for Divorce from the U.S.?
Even though you’re living in the U.S., the required documents are quite similar to a local process in Colombia. The main difference is how those documents are legalized. Here’s what you’ll need:
Colombian Marriage Certificate
It must be recently issued and in its original format. This document proves your marriage is legally registered in Colombia.
Birth Certificates for Both Spouses
These are required to verify identity. If there are minor children involved, their birth certificates must be included as well.
Special Power of Attorney (Poder Especial), Authenticated and Apostilled
This is the key document that allows your Colombian lawyer to act on your behalf. It must be signed at a U.S. notary and then apostilled by the state’s Secretary of State to be valid in Colombia.
Custody and Asset Agreement (If Applicable)
For mutual agreement divorces, you’ll need to draft an agreement outlining custody, visitation, child support, and how assets will be divided. Both parties must sign this document.
Official Translations (If Any Document Is in English)
If any documents, such as the power of attorney, are in English, they must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and the translation must also be apostilled.
Having everything organized and ready from the start will help you avoid delays and speed up the process.
How to Start the Process from the United States
Once you have your documents ready, here’s how to begin without stepping foot in Colombia:
Step 1: Find a Colombian Lawyer
Look for the mejores abogados en cali with experience in remote legal processes. Many now work entirely online. Make sure the attorney is officially registered to practice law in Colombia.
Step 2: Sign the Special Power of Attorney
Your lawyer will send you a draft. You sign it at a notary in your city (or online, if allowed by your state), and then have it apostilled. This document legally allows your lawyer to handle your case.
Step 3: Send the Documents to Colombia
Use international courier services like FedEx or DHL to send the originals. Some lawyers may allow you to email digital copies first, while the originals are in transit.
Step 4: Your Lawyer Files the Case
Once all documents are received and validated, your lawyer will submit your divorce request. If it’s a mutual agreement handled by a notary, the process can be completed in 1–2 months. If it’s a contested case, expect it to take longer.
Throughout the process, stay in close contact with your lawyer to ensure you’re updated on any requests or legal developments.
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely file for divorce in Colombia from the U.S. without setting foot in the country. It just takes the right preparation, proper legal advice, and attention to detail—but it’s far from impossible.
Ending a chapter of your life from abroad doesn’t have to be emotionally draining or financially overwhelming. With a bit of planning and the support of a trusted attorney, you can move forward legally and emotionally—without ever leaving home.
