Mexico City’s efforts to implement its no-fault divorce law was the subject of 
a story in the New York Times yesterday. Before the law’s enactment about eight months ago, a typical divorce proceeding would drag on for years.
But it wasn’t always this way. The divorce laws in some parts of Mexico used to be so liberal that a thriving legal tourism industry was built around granting quickie divorces to North Americans.
In 1931 the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, enacted a law allowing couples to obtain divorce decrees in less than a day. A story in El Paso magazine last year notes that in Juarez:
A person could go to the city hall, file the paperwork, pay a fee, and receive marital freedom within three hours. With the help of divorce counselors, the time could be cut to an hour.
Between 1940 and 1960 more than 500,000 Americans crossed the border to disband their marriages.
As with medical tourism today, travel agencies put together packages for divorce seekers. According to El Peso magazine it worked this way:
For $2,000 folks could fly to El Paso, round trip, be picked up at the airport by a “divorce counselor,” driven to a hotel in El Paso or Juárez and provided cocktails. That evening might include dinner at the Florida Restaurant. The next morning, the client would be picked up and driven to the city hall in Juárez. The counselor would lead his patron through the process to finality. Afterward, lunch and drinks were provided. That evening probably included dinner and dancing at La Fiesta Supper Club in Juárez with entertainment by such stars as Ella Fitzgerald or Bobby Darin. The next morning the client was delivered to the airport for the flight home.
Divorce Laws Vary by State. As in Mexico, U.S. divorce laws vary by state. Some states, such as New York, recognized Mexico divorce decrees, while others did not.
Eventually, Mexico grew tired of its reputation as a quickie divorce destination and outlawed the accelerated legal process.
Now you must live in Mexico for at least six months before you may seek to obtain a divorce there.
Waiting Periods. What hasn’t changed is Americans’ desire to avoid state imposed waiting periods for obtaining a divorce.
Maryland offers no-fault divorces, but requires couples to “live separate and apart” for 12 months before a divorce will be granted.
Nevada has no waiting period, but requires those seeking divorce there to live in the state for at least six weeks.
One country that has stepped forward to meet the demand is the Dominican Republic. The country waives residency requirements and waiting requirements for foreign visitors who mutually seek a divorce.
But be careful. Not all states in the U.S. recognize these divorces, so be sure to research your state’s laws before you try this.
on Jul 24th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
The American Embassy web page to which you’ve linked leaves a few details out. Foreigners who wish to obtain a divorce in Mexico must obtain a permit to divorce from INM, the department of Gobernacion which handles immigration matters. This has been the law since around 1971.
on Jul 25th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
@Jennifer. Thanks for mentioning that. Another reason why Mexico is not a good place for a quickie divorce.
on Sep 9th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
My wife got a Mexican divorce, took my rights away from my children and all without my knowledge. We live in another coutry but are American citizens. We have never been to Mexico! She remarried someone from the country we live in now and they are now trying to imigrate to America. Where do I find information? The Mexican embassy is not responding.
on Oct 25th, 2009 at 8:30 am
[...] Reporting by Cristobal Delgado, Mexico City References: http://travelojos.com/2009/07/mexico-no-longer-the-place-for-a-quickie-divorce/ [...]