Family courts in Alcantarilla: practical information and local context
In Alcantarilla, family law matters such as divorce, separation, child support, and custody are processed at the Juzgado de Paz y Registro Civil, located at Calle Mayor, 40, 30820 Alcantarilla (Murcia). The contact number is 968 89 32 25 and office hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 14:00. This court handles civil procedures, including marriage files, birth and death registrations, and can act as a receiving authority for family law procedures when there is no specialized First Instance Court in the municipality.
For more complex cases (contested divorces, modifications of measures, etc.), matters may be referred to the First Instance Courts in Murcia, which serve as the judicial district for Alcantarilla. There is no exclusive family court in Alcantarilla, but the Civil Registry and Justice of the Peace Court facilitate the initial processing and essential documentation in these cases.
Types of divorce and procedures: real deadlines and costs
Under Spanish law, divorce can be processed in two main ways:
- Mutual agreement divorce: Requires both parties to agree on all measures (custody, support, use of the family home, etc.) and formalize these in a regulatory agreement. The usual timeframe for resolution in the Murcia province, including Alcantarilla, is 2 to 3 months from filing in court.
- Contested divorce: When there is no agreement, a more complex judicial process begins. The estimated processing time is 6 to 12 months, depending on court workload and the need for evidence or independent expert reports.
Indicative costs for a mutual agreement divorce in Murcia range between €500 and €1,200, including drafting the agreement and legal representation. Contested divorces can exceed €1,500, depending on complexity and whether independent expert intervention is needed.
The regulatory agreement is essential in mutual agreement divorces and must include:
- Custody and visitation arrangements for minor children
- Child support and, if applicable, spousal support
- Use of the family home
- Division of jointly owned property
Child support and custody: criteria and real figures
Child support for minors is determined in accordance with Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code: it must be set in proportion to the parents' financial resources and the children's needs. In practice, courts in Murcia and Alcantarilla usually set support amounts within the guidelines recommended by the General Council of the Judiciary, with the average child support in Spain ranging from €150 to €400 per child per month.
Regarding custody, in Murcia, as in the rest of Spain, the judicial trend is to favor joint custody whenever viable and in the best interests of the child. However, sole custody remains common when there is serious conflict, geographical distance, or unsuitable conditions in one parent's home. The standard visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent is alternate weekends and half of the holiday periods.
Why choose our law firm in Alcantarilla
We provide a legal approach focused on mediation and out-of-court negotiation to avoid lengthy and costly proceedings whenever possible. We offer both in-person services in Alcantarilla and online consultations, making legal advice accessible without unnecessary travel. We collaborate with independent medical experts when required. You can request a no-obligation initial consultation to assess your situation and receive clear information about your rights and legal options.
