Family Courts in Cartagena: Where Family Law Matters Are Resolved
If you reside in Cartagena and need to resolve a family law matter—such as divorce, child custody, child support, or modification of measures—you should know that the Family Courts (Juzgados de Primera Instancia) are located at Calle Ángel Bruna, 21, 30203 Cartagena. This building houses several civil sections of the Cartagena Court of First Instance, which handle and resolve family law cases within the judicial district.
The judicial district of Cartagena covers not only the city but also nearby municipalities, which can affect processing times depending on the workload of the courts. While there are no public figures on the exact annual number of divorces in Cartagena, official data from the CGPJ shows a steady increase in family law cases in the Region of Murcia in recent years.
Types of Divorce in Cartagena and Legal Procedures
In Cartagena, as in the rest of Spain, there are two main types of divorce:
- Uncontested divorce: Both spouses reach an agreement on matters such as child custody, use of the family home, maintenance, and asset division. This process is quick and usually resolved in the Cartagena Family Courts within 2 to 3 months from the filing of the joint petition and regulatory agreement.
- Contentious divorce: Initiated when no agreement is possible. Each spouse submits their proposal, and the court decides on the measures. The process is longer (6 to 12 months in Cartagena, depending on the court's workload and case complexity).
The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Cartagena ranges from €700 to €1,200 (including lawyer and court representative fees, depending on whether children and assets are involved). Contentious divorces tend to cost more due to the involvement of independent experts and a higher number of court proceedings.
The Regulatory Agreement: What Must Be Included
In uncontested proceedings, the regulatory agreement is essential and must include at least:
- Assignment of use of the family home
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support and, where appropriate, spousal maintenance
- Visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent
- Division of assets and liquidation of the marital economic regime
Child Support and Custody in Cartagena: Legal Criteria and Figures
Child support in Cartagena, according to Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, is set in proportion to both parents' incomes and the children's needs. Courts often refer to the CGPJ's guidance tables, and the national average ranges from €150 to €400 per child, although this may vary depending on specific circumstances and local living standards.
Regarding custody, judges prioritize the child's best interests. In Cartagena, joint custody is increasingly granted when both parents live nearby and can cooperate, although sole custody is still common in cases of high conflict or particular circumstances. The standard visitation schedule typically grants alternate weekends and half of school holidays to the non-custodial parent, unless otherwise agreed.
Our Cartagena Office: Mediation and Personalized Attention
From our office in Cartagena, we offer a no-obligation initial consultation to assess your case. We prioritize mediation and out-of-court negotiation to reach lasting agreements whenever possible, thus avoiding unnecessary litigation. If an agreement is not feasible, we defend your rights before the Cartagena Family Courts, collaborating with independent medical experts when necessary.
We provide in-person consultation in Cartagena as well as online services for those living outside the city or facing travel difficulties. You can request your no-obligation initial consultation to receive advice tailored to the reality of the Cartagena courts.
