Child custody and visitation in Panama

Identify the decisions that need to be made

Custody (guarda y crianza) concerns the everyday care of children whose parents do not live together. Communication and visitation arrangements govern contact with the parent with whom they do not live. Parental authority, child support and permission to travel abroad raise separate issues: a decision on one does not automatically settle the others.

Articles 326 and 327 of the Family Code recognize parental agreement where it respects the child’s best interests. If there is no agreement, or it harms the children, the competent authority decides in their interests. Each case requires an assessment of the family circumstances and applicable rules.

Sources: Código de la Familia · articles 326, 327, 329 and 331; base text and applicable amendments; Ley 285 de 2022 · comprehensive protection of children and adolescents. (in Spanish)

Prepare arrangements that can work in practice

A useful proposal identifies the child’s usual home, contact schedule, collection and return, holidays, transport and how changes will be communicated. Include schooling, health and care needs. Explain which points are agreed and which remain unresolved.

Before signing, consider how the agreement should be formalised and how it relates to earlier decisions. Avoid vague conditions or using the child to carry messages. Disclose violence, threats or protection orders before arranging a joint meeting.

Sources: Código de la Familia · articles 326, 327, 329 and 331; base text and applicable amendments; Ley 285 de 2022 · comprehensive protection of children and adolescents. (in Spanish)

Documents and facts for the initial review

• Adult identification and the child’s birth certificate.
• Available agreements, orders and service records.
• Addresses, school, schedules and current care arrangements.
• A short chronology and complete communications.
• Relevant health information, additional needs and expenses.
• Other proceedings, protection measures and planned travel.

This list prepares the consultation; it does not replace the requirements of the applicable procedure. Keep originals and distinguish what you witnessed from what someone told you. Do not publish the child’s records or images to argue your case.

When contact is obstructed or circumstances change

First establish whether an order exists, what it requires, how it was served and the specific alleged breach. Record dates, scheduled visits, notices and responses. Article 329 allows the time, manner and place of contact to be regulated for the child’s benefit; Article 331 permits decisions to be reviewed when their underlying circumstances change.

A financial disagreement should not become an informal change to contact arrangements. Filing an application does not itself change an order. The lawyer examines whether enforcement, variation or protection measures should be requested and the evidence supporting that request.

Sources: Código de la Familia · articles 326, 327, 329 and 331; base text and applicable amendments. (in Spanish)

If you believe a child is at risk

Describe specific events, dates, the child’s location and steps already taken. Protection requires a different assessment from an ordinary dispute between adults. In immediate danger, seek emergency assistance and the competent authority without waiting for a private appointment.

SENNIAF lists 6378-3466 and 311 for child-protection reports. Law 285 of 2022 and Law 409 of 2023 govern comprehensive protection and its judicial system. Legal advice helps identify the authority and procedure; it does not replace urgent assistance.

Sources: Ley 285 de 2022 · comprehensive protection of children and adolescents; Ley 409 de 2023 · judicial system for comprehensive protection and amendments; SENNIAF · current guidance and protection channels. (in Spanish)

How the legal work is organized

1. Review current circumstances, earlier proceedings and any urgency.
2. Identify the application, competent authority and documents needed.
3. Prepare the application or agreement and address the relevant steps.
4. Attend hearings and assessments ordered by the authority.
5. Review the decision, compliance and possible later changes.

If a parent lives abroad, identify the country and availability before arranging powers of attorney or travel. The proposal separates legal fees, certificates and other professional work. Timing depends on service, evidence and proceedings; applying first does not guarantee an outcome.

Frequently asked questions