Civil Law &
Disputes.

It depends on the amount and whether the debt is disputed. For a clear, undisputed debt, a monitorio proceeding is often the fastest route, a simplified court process designed to recover money without a full trial. If the debt is disputed, it becomes an ordinary civil claim, which takes longer but still starts with a formal demand letter.

We always look at this honestly before recommending court. Litigation in Spain has costs and timelines that need to be weighed against what you would actually recover. In many cases, a firm demand letter and the credible threat of court is enough to resolve things without a trial.

A straightforward monitorio claim for an undisputed debt can move in a matter of months. A contested ordinary civil claim before the Juzgado de Primera Instancia typically takes a year or more, and longer again if it is appealed to the Audiencia Provincial. We give you a realistic estimate before you commit.

Often yes, particularly within the EU, where cross-border enforcement rules make it possible to pursue and enforce a claim against someone based in another member state. We assess jurisdiction first, since this affects both where you file and how enforceable any judgment will be.

Community disputes, over charges, maintenance, or decisions made at owners' meetings, usually start with a review of the community statutes and the minutes of the relevant meeting. Many issues can be resolved without court, but where they cannot, these disputes also go before the Juzgado de Primera Instancia.