Family Law in Girona: Essential Information for Divorce and Child Custody Cases
In Girona, family law matters are primarily handled by the Courts of First Instance, located at Avda. Ramón Folch, 4-6, 17001 Girona. For civil matters, including separations, divorces, child custody arrangements, and support payments, these courts are the main reference point. Appeals in family law are resolved by the Provincial Court at Plaça de Josep Maria Lidón Corbí, 1. The Girona judicial district covers the city and surrounding municipalities, meaning all family law procedures are managed centrally, which helps streamline processes and reduce delays where possible.
Types of Divorce in Girona: Mutual Agreement and Contested Divorce
As in the rest of Spain, there are two main ways to process a divorce in Girona:
- Mutual agreement divorce: This is the fastest and least expensive procedure. Both parties reach agreements on asset division, child custody, and support payments. The regulatory agreement ("convenio regulador") includes all these terms and is submitted for court approval. In Girona, this process typically takes 2 to 3 months, depending on the court's workload.
- Contested divorce: If no agreement is possible, each party submits their proposals and the judge decides on the measures. These procedures usually last between 6 and 12 months from the filing of the claim to the judgment, although this can vary based on case complexity and court scheduling.
Estimated costs for a mutual agreement divorce in Girona typically range from €700 to €1,500, covering the drafting of the regulatory agreement and court processing. For contested divorces, costs are higher due to the involvement of independent experts and increased complexity, usually starting at €2,000 and up.
What Does the Regulatory Agreement Include?
The regulatory agreement is a key document in family law proceedings. According to Article 90 of the Civil Code, it must include:
- The use and enjoyment of the family home.
- Child custody arrangements and visitation schedules.
- Child support and, where applicable, spousal support.
- Liquidation of the marital economic regime, if applicable.
The court reviews the agreement to ensure it does not harm minors or infringe on fundamental rights before granting approval.
Child Support and Custody in Girona: Criteria and Figures
Key issues in family law proceedings include child support and custody arrangements:
- Child support: The Civil Code establishes that support payments must be proportional to the income and resources of both parents and the needs of the children. In Girona, amounts typically range from €150 to €400 per child, consistent with the national average. Calculations consider net income, regular expenses, and the specific needs of the children.
- Shared vs. sole custody: Catalan case law generally favors shared custody where possible and beneficial for the children. Sole custody is granted in cases of objective reasons (distance, incompatible work schedules, severe conflict). The standard visitation schedule for sole custody usually includes alternate weekends, two weekday afternoons, and a division of school holidays.
Our Approach: Mediation, Negotiation, and Personalized Attention in Girona
Our Girona law office prioritizes mediation and out-of-court negotiation as the first step to resolve family disputes. This approach reduces time, costs, and emotional impact, facilitating stable and satisfactory agreements. When an amicable solution isn't possible, we defend your rights in Girona's courts with rigor and proven experience.
We offer in-person services in Girona and online legal advice to suit your needs, ensuring continued access to information and legal support. You can request a no-obligation initial consultation to assess your situation and explore legal options.
We collaborate with independent medical experts when necessary to assess capacity, health, or parental suitability, maintaining direct and ongoing communication throughout the process.
