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Practice area

Family
Law.

Divorce, custody, or a family split across two countries. Someone who explains what is actually happening, in English, before you decide anything.

What we handle

Every family is
different, handled that way.

Whether you are separating, protecting your children's future, or untangling a matter that crosses two legal systems.

Divorce and legal separation, both mutually agreed (mutuo acuerdo) and contested
Custody, parental responsibility (patria potestad), and visiting arrangements for children
Child maintenance and spousal support, calculated and negotiated or argued in court
Division of matrimonial assets, including property and pensions held in more than one country
International divorce recognition, so a divorce granted abroad is valid in Spain, or vice versa
Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements (capitulaciones matrimoniales) under Spanish law
Representation before the Juzgado de Primera Instancia (Family Court) at every hearing
Child relocation and international abduction matters under the Hague Convention
Common questions
How long does a divorce take in Spain? +

A mutually agreed divorce (mutuo acuerdo), where both parties agree on terms, can be finalised in a matter of weeks once the paperwork is filed. A contested divorce, where the court has to decide on disputed points, typically takes several months to a year or more, depending on the court's caseload and how much is in dispute.

My spouse and I married outside Spain. Can we still divorce here? +

Yes, in most cases. Spanish courts can have jurisdiction if you are habitually resident in Spain, even if the marriage took place elsewhere. We check jurisdiction first, before anything else, so you know from day one whether Spain is the right place to file.

How is child custody decided? +

Spanish courts decide based on the best interests of the child. Joint custody (custodia compartida) is now the preferred outcome in many regions, but the court looks at each family's circumstances individually, including the children's ages, their existing routine, and each parent's situation.

Will I need to go to court in person? +

Not always. For a mutually agreed divorce, one or both parties can often be represented without attending every hearing. For a contested case, or when a judge wants to hear directly from a parent about custody, attendance is usually required, and we prepare you fully beforehand.

What happens to property we own together? +

Property is divided according to your matrimonial regime (community of assets or separation of assets) and any prenuptial agreement in place. If the property is in Spain but one party lives abroad, we handle the practical side too, including notary appointments and registry updates.

"

He is second to none.

After interviewing many Spanish lawyers and being unsatisfied, I was lucky to find Manuel Mateo. His extensive knowledge of the law, his deep understanding of my situation living in a foreign country, and his tough negotiation skills led to a very favourable outcome.

PBPrabin BensamFamily law
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