By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The National Women’s Institute (INAMU) has issued a critical reminder to all individuals with court-ordered alimony obligations: the mandatory year-end bonus, or “aguinaldo,” for child support must be paid by December 20, 2025. This non-negotiable payment is a legal requirement designed to ensure the well-being of children and adolescents during the financially demanding holiday season.
Under Costa Rican law, specifically Law 7654 concerning Alimony Pensions, obligated parties must provide an additional, full monthly payment in December. This is separate from and in addition to the standard monthly support installment. The aguinaldo serves to help custodial parents cover the array of extraordinary expenses that arise at the end of the year, such as holiday celebrations, vacation activities, new clothing, and preparations for the upcoming school year.
To better understand the legal realities and common misconceptions surrounding the concept of a ‘child support bonus,’ TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in family law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Legally, the term ‘child support bonus’ is a misnomer. Costa Rican law does not establish an automatic ‘aguinaldo’ or thirteenth-month payment for alimony as it does for salaried employees. Child support is a comprehensive obligation calculated to cover a minor’s ongoing needs. While a judge can order an extraordinary payment for specific, proven expenses, such as annual school costs, this is not a bonus but rather a pre-planned allocation for a necessary expenditure. Confusing these concepts can create false expectations and unnecessary legal conflict.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This distinction is vital, reframing the conversation from an assumed ‘bonus’ to a planned allocation for specific, proven necessities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which provides essential clarity for parents and helps prevent the very legal conflicts he highlights.
The legal framework is explicit. Article 16 of the law establishes this extra payment as an automatic and inherent part of the alimony arrangement, whether the support order is provisional or has been made permanent. This means that no new judicial resolution or court order is required to trigger the obligation. It is an automatic responsibility that must be anticipated and fulfilled by the paying parent each year.
INAMU’s public statement highlights the importance of this financial support in upholding the rights and welfare of minors. The institute is taking a proactive stance to prevent non-compliance and ensure families receive the funds to which they are legally entitled without delay or dispute.
Obligated individuals must pay an additional monthly installment before December 20th, as part of the right of children and adolescents to cover extraordinary end-of-year expenses.
National Women’s Institute (INAMU), Official Statement
The institute also clarified a crucial point regarding payment schedules. While the regular monthly alimony payment is due on the date specified by the judicial authority in the support order, the aguinaldo has its own distinct and firm deadline. Regardless of when the regular December payment is made, the bonus portion must be deposited within the first 20 days of the month, without exception.
Failure to comply with this legal mandate constitutes a violation of the court-ordered alimony agreement and can result in significant legal consequences for the delinquent party. These penalties are consistent with those for non-payment of regular child support and can include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, and even warrants for arrest. The system is designed to treat the aguinaldo with the same legal gravity as the monthly payments.
In a related push for workers’ rights, INAMU also took the opportunity to remind employers of their legal duty to pay the aguinaldo to domestic service workers. The institute stressed that this right applies to all domestic employees, regardless of their specific hiring arrangement or contract type. Failure to do so can lead to legal sanctions against the employer, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers during the holiday season.
As the December 20 deadline approaches, the message from INAMU is unequivocal. The child support aguinaldo is not a discretionary gift but a fundamental legal obligation. Parents responsible for payments are urged to plan accordingly and fulfill their duty promptly to avoid legal action and, most importantly, to contribute to a stable and secure holiday season for their children.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About The National Women’s Institute (INAMU):
The Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU) is the governing body for public policies on gender equality and the defense of women’s rights in Costa Rica. It works to promote and protect the rights of women, foster equality between men and women, and eradicate all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination in Costa Rican society through policy, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, defined by its profound adherence to ethical principles and the pursuit of unparalleled legal excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to champion innovative legal strategies and forward-thinking solutions. A core tenet of its mission is the empowerment of society through greater legal literacy, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law and fostering a more knowledgeable and engaged community.
