Family Courts in Alicante: Where Family Law Matters Are Handled
In Alicante, family law matters such as divorces, separations, adoptions, modification of measures, or issues related to parental authority are primarily handled by the Family Sections of the Courts of First Instance. The main judicial headquarters is located at Avda. Aguilera, 53, 03007 Alicante, where the various family courts and the court registry are situated. Additionally, the Family, Childhood, and Capacity Section of the Alicante Court of Instance is at plaza n.º 3 (formerly First Instance Court No. 13). For registrations, marriage files, emancipations, or name changes, the Exclusive Civil Registry Offices No. 1 and No. 2 are at C/ Los Doscientos, 3, 03007 Alicante.
The judicial district of Alicante stands out for the concentration of family jurisdiction in specialized courts, which allows for greater efficiency in case processing. While there are no official public figures for the annual number of divorces in Alicante, more than 80,000 divorces are processed annually nationwide, and Alicante consistently ranks among the provinces with the highest judicial activity in family law.
Divorce in Alicante: Types, Timeframes, and Average Costs
In Alicante, as in the rest of Spain, there are two main types of divorce:
- Uncontested divorce: Characterized by the joint filing of the petition and a mutually agreed regulatory agreement. This allows for a faster and less costly process. In Alicante, the average timeframe to obtain a judgment is typically 2 to 3 months from the filing date, provided there are no procedural issues or exceptional delays.
- Contentious divorce: When agreement is not possible, each party files their own petition and the case requires a court hearing and sometimes expert intervention. In Alicante, the average duration for a contentious divorce is 6 to 12 months, depending on the court’s workload and the complexity of the case.
The average cost of a divorce procedure in Alicante varies depending on the type of proceeding and the law firm chosen. An uncontested divorce typically ranges between €700 and €1,500 (including legal representation and court agent for both spouses), while a contentious divorce usually exceeds €2,000 per party. These figures are indicative and may vary depending on complexity and professional fees.
The regulatory agreement is essential in uncontested divorces and must include at least:
- Custody arrangements for minor children.
- Visitation and communication rights with the non-custodial parent.
- Child support and, if applicable, spousal support.
- Use of the family home.
- Division of marital assets or liquidation of the matrimonial property regime.
Child Support and Custody: Criteria Applied by Alicante Courts
In family law proceedings in Alicante, judges apply the criteria set out in the Spanish Civil Code and Supreme Court case law, always prioritizing the best interests of the child.
- Child support: The amount is determined in proportion to both parents’ incomes and the children’s needs. While there is no binding official table, child support payments typically range between €150 and €400 per child per month in Spain, an amount commonly applied in Alicante's courts except in exceptional circumstances. The calculation covers ordinary expenses (food, clothing, education, housing) and sometimes includes a percentage for extraordinary expenses.
- Joint custody: In Alicante, following Supreme Court doctrine (STS 257/2013), joint custody is considered the preferred option as long as it benefits the child’s welfare and there is communication between parents. Each case is assessed individually, considering the child’s age, the distance between homes, and both parents’ availability.
- Sole custody: Granted to one parent when joint custody is not viable or there are circumstances against it. The standard visitation arrangement usually includes alternate weekends and half of school holidays, but can be adapted to the family's specific circumstances.
Why Choose Our Law Firm in Alicante
At our Alicante law firm, we offer attentive and personalized service for every family law case. We provide mediation and out-of-court negotiation to attempt amicable solutions before going to court, which can reduce both time and costs. We work both in person at our Alicante offices and online, adapting to each client’s needs. For cases requiring expert evidence, we collaborate with independent medical experts to ensure objective reports.
If you need advice on divorce, custody, support, or any other family law matter in Alicante, you can request a no-obligation initial consultation to assess your situation and receive clear, tailored legal information.
