Home / Practice areas / Family Law
Practice areaDivorce, custody, or a family split across two countries. Someone who explains what is actually happening, in English, before you decide anything.
Whether you are separating, protecting your children's future, or untangling a matter that crosses two legal systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.