Family Courts in Benidorm: Key Information and Local Specifics
In Benidorm, family law matters—divorce, custody, child support, parental measures—are handled by the Courts of First Instance, all located at Passeig dels Tolls, 2, 03502 Benidorm. This address is home to the Civil Section of the Court of Instance, streamlining the handling of family cases for the Benidorm judicial district, which also covers nearby towns such as Altea, Finestrat, and L'Alfàs del Pi. For civil registration matters (births, marriages, deaths), the relevant office is the Civil Registry of Benidorm, at Avda. Comunidad Europea, s/n.
Benidorm's judicial district is marked by significant activity in family law due to the city's unique demographics (a high proportion of foreign residents and residential tourism). This often leads to cases involving international regulations or the need for document translation. While there are no official public statistics for divorce volume in Benidorm, Alicante province is among the most active in family law proceedings within the Valencian Community.
Types of Divorce in Benidorm: Procedure, Timelines, and Costs
Spanish family law distinguishes between mutual agreement divorce and contested divorce. In Benidorm, as elsewhere in Spain, mutual agreement divorce is faster and more cost-effective: after filing the petition with a regulatory agreement and required certificates, the average time to judgment is typically 2 to 3 months, depending on the court's workload and how quickly documents are provided. Contested divorce, on the other hand, takes longer—usually 6 to 12 months—as it requires a court hearing and evidence gathering.
The indicative cost of a mutual agreement divorce in Benidorm starts at approximately €400-800 per spouse (including lawyer and court representative fees; family law cases are exempt from court fees), while contested divorces generally exceed €1,200-2,000 depending on complexity and expert reports. The regulatory agreement must cover child custody, child support, visitation arrangements, use of the family home, and, if applicable, spousal maintenance.
Child Support and Custody in Benidorm: Criteria, Figures, and Standard Arrangements
Child support is determined under Articles 142 and following of the Spanish Civil Code, proportionate to both parents' income and the specific needs of the children. In practice, Benidorm courts apply similar criteria to those used throughout the province: the average child support payment in Spain ranges from €150 to €400 per child per month, adjusted for factors such as disability, extraordinary expenses, or pre-divorce lifestyle.
For custody, Benidorm courts consider shared custody (Article 92 CC), which is increasingly common in the Valencian Community, although not automatic. Factors assessed include the children's ages, relationships with both parents, work schedules, and proximity of homes. Where sole custody is granted, the standard visitation schedule is alternate weekends, one afternoon during the week, and shared holidays. Arrangements may be adapted to the needs of local and foreign families, who are a significant presence in Benidorm.
Why Choose Our Law Firm in Benidorm
At our Benidorm firm, we prioritize mediation and out-of-court negotiation to reach agreements and avoid lengthy, costly litigation. We offer in-person and online consultations, catering to residents, expatriates, and those who spend time in the city. We collaborate with independent medical experts when necessary (e.g., incapacity, child assessment).
We provide a no-obligation initial consultation to review your case, answer questions about local courts, and assess the best options for your personal and family situation.
