Family Courts in Alcobendas: Where Proceedings Are Handled
In Alcobendas, family law matters are processed before the First Instance Courts, located at Calle Joaquín Rodrigo, 3 (Postal Code 28100). This building centralises most civil proceedings, including divorces, modification of measures, custody, and child support. Multiple courts of first instance (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9, according to public records) ensure efficient case management, and the proximity to the Civil Registry facilitates the registration of resolutions related to marital status, marriage, or parentage.
The Alcobendas judicial district also covers San Sebastián de los Reyes, which can affect case allocation and processing times depending on the workload. The Civil Registry Office, also at Joaquín Rodrigo, 3, is essential for procedures such as birth registrations, marriages, or issuing certificates required in family law cases.
Types of Divorce and Realistic Timeframes in Alcobendas
As in the rest of Spain, there are two main routes for marriage dissolution in Alcobendas: mutual agreement divorce and contentious divorce.
- Mutual agreement divorce: If both spouses agree on the terms (custody, support, use of the home, etc.), the process is faster and less costly. The usual timeframe for a ruling in Alcobendas is 2 to 3 months from filing the petition and regulatory agreement before the competent court.
- Contentious divorce: If there is no agreement, the process may take longer as it involves hearings, evidence, and a judicial decision. In Alcobendas, this typically takes between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity and court scheduling.
The average cost for a mutual agreement divorce in the area ranges from 700 to 1,200 euros (including lawyer and court representative fees), while contentious divorces can exceed 2,000 euros due to increased procedural requirements. These figures may vary according to case complexity and additional services (mediation, asset division, etc.).
The Regulatory Agreement: Content and Key Aspects
In Alcobendas, as required by Article 90 of the Civil Code, the regulatory agreement must address:
- Custody of minor children (shared or sole)
- Visitation and communication arrangements for the non-custodial parent
- Child support and annual updates
- Spousal support if applicable
- Use of the family home
- Division of joint assets (if requested)
The agreement must be judicially approved to be legally effective, and its content always prioritises the best interests of the child, as well as proportionality in financial contributions.
Child Support and Custody Criteria in Alcobendas
Child support is determined based on both parents' incomes and the actual needs of the children. Alcobendas courts apply Article 146 of the Civil Code, which requires support to be proportional to the provider's means and the recipient's needs. In Spain, the average support per child generally ranges between €150 and €400 per month, though each case is individually assessed. In Alcobendas, these figures are adjusted to local economic capacity and living standards.
Regarding custody, Alcobendas judges favour shared custody when both parents live nearby and maintain a cooperative relationship. However, if circumstances advise against it, sole custody may be granted to one parent, with visitation rights for the other. A standard visitation arrangement in the area usually includes alternate weekends, one or two weekday afternoons, and shared holidays.
Why Choose Our Firm in Alcobendas
Our firm, specialising in family law in Alcobendas, focuses on mediation and out-of-court negotiation to avoid prolonged conflicts and safeguard children's well-being. We offer in-person consultations at our Alcobendas office and online services for those who prefer remote management of their case.
We collaborate with independent medical experts when it is necessary to prove special circumstances (disability, specific needs, etc.). We provide a no-obligation initial consultation to assess the viability of your case and guide you through the process before the local First Instance Courts.
