Frequently asked family questions.

Even if your cédula says you're married, your marriage might not actually be registered in Ecuador. Those records belong to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the Civil Registry. Without registration you cannot draft marital agreements, execute wills that reference your spouse, or divorce in Ecuador.

Government fee $53 at the Registro Civil, plus Sabrina's professional fee of $400 plus IVA (15%). All-in approximately $513.

A registered unión de hecho falls under the same immigration category as marriage. Same visa category. Same rights. Same access to the 2-year fast-track naturalization. Same treatment as a marriage to an Ecuadorian citizen. Sabrina handles the registration at $260 plus IVA.

Yes, provided your foreign marriage is first registered with the Ecuadorian Civil Registry and at least one spouse holds an Ecuadorian cédula. Your spouse does not need to be in the country or cooperate.

There are three routes. (1) Notarial divorce, both spouses agree, takes about 40 minutes at the notary, can be done through Power of Attorney. (2) Judicial divorce by mutual agreement, one hearing, typically 6 to 8 months. (3) Judicial unilateral (contested) divorce, used when the spouse refuses, is abroad, or is uncontactable; requires proof of a valid cause and typically takes 10 to 12 months.

Uncontested divorce $400 plus IVA. Contested divorce $800 plus IVA. Court and notary fees are not included. Judicial marital-property dissolution is charged at 10% of the estate.

Yes, via unilateral (contested) judicial divorce. You must present evidence of a valid cause: lack of harmony, six or more months of separation, abandonment, or psychological or physical violence.

Ecuadorian law requires a signed parenting agreement covering custody, visitation, and child support (pensión de alimentos) at or above the minimum tables before a notarial or mutual-consent divorce can proceed. Without agreement, the case shifts to judicial process.

Yes. Once finalized, the Ecuadorian divorce decree can be apostilled and translated for filing in your home country.

$650 plus IVA for custody or support proceedings. Marital-property agreement (capitulaciones) $500 plus IVA. Mediation is 5 to 10% of the amount at stake.