Family Courts in Estepona: Local References and Operations
In Estepona, family law matters—such as divorces, child custody, and maintenance—are handled by the Courts of First Instance and Instruction, located at Avda. Juan Carlos I, s/n, 29680 Estepona and Avda. Puerta del Mar, 45, 29680 Estepona. These courts have jurisdiction over marital breakdowns as well as issues related to custody, child support, and modifications of existing measures.
The Estepona judicial district covers not only the municipality itself but also neighboring towns, which can affect processing times due to the volume of cases managed by these courts. If you need to file for divorce, request child custody, or initiate any family law procedure, you must submit documentation to these specific courts. Direct contact with the local judicial offices can help expedite notifications and communications, especially in contentious proceedings.
Types of Divorce: Mutual Agreement vs. Contentious, Real Timelines and Costs
In Spain, and thus in Estepona, there are two main ways to process a divorce:
- Mutual agreement divorce: both parties file a joint proposal for a regulatory agreement. This process is usually resolved within 2 to 3 months from the time the petition is filed, provided all documentation is in order and both spouses appear for ratification.
- Contentious divorce: initiated when the parties cannot agree on measures such as custody, support, or property division. This process typically takes 6 to 12 months depending on the court's workload and the complexity of the case.
The average approximate cost of a mutual agreement divorce in Estepona ranges from €700 to €1,200 (including lawyer, court representative, and fees), while contentious divorces can cost twice as much, especially if expert reports are needed.
The regulatory agreement must cover: parental authority, custody, visitation schedule, child support, spousal support if applicable, allocation of the family home, and division of marital property. Judicial approval is required to make it enforceable.
Child Support and Custody: Criteria and Typical Figures
Child support is calculated according to Article 146 of the Civil Code, based on the financial resources of both parents and the ordinary needs of the children. Estepona's courts apply the same principles as the rest of Spain, focusing on proportionality between income and expenses.
Nationally, the average child support per child ranges from €150 to €400 per month, though this can vary depending on local living standards and the family's specific circumstances. Persistent non-payment can lead to enforcement proceedings, asset seizure, or even criminal liability.
Regarding custody, current case law favors shared custody unless there are well-founded reasons for exclusive custody. The standard visitation schedule, when exclusive custody is granted, usually includes alternate weekends, one midweek day, and half of school holidays.
Why Choose Our Estepona-Based Firm
Our firm, based in Estepona, prioritizes family mediation and out-of-court negotiation to resolve disputes, helping reduce timelines and avoid unnecessary litigation. We offer face-to-face and online consultations to suit each client's needs. When required, we work with independent medical and psychological experts to provide objective reports that support our clients' rights.
The no-obligation initial consultation allows us to assess the legal viability of your case and advise you on the necessary steps, expected timelines, and projected costs, based on the realities of Estepona's courts. Our direct relationship with local judicial offices streamlines the processing and monitoring of cases.
