Marriage and Family

People getting married when they are living in Panama can discuss it all in person with the local authorities. If neither partner is living in the country but they want to get married there it is very advisable to consult a relevant lawyer. In rural areas, common-law marriages are usual, while in urban areas church weddings are common. To marry in a church, a couple must get a license and receive religious instruction before a church official can perform the ceremony.

The father is traditionally the head of the family, and the mother generally takes responsibility for the home. Less than one-third of the labor force is female. The extended family has become less important than it used to be, but adult children expect to care for their aging parents, even if they do not live with them. A large number of births in Panama take place out of wedlock, especially in rural. Families in urban areas often live in rented apartments, while those in rural areas may own small homes.