Family Courts in Granada: Essential Information Before Starting a Legal Process
In Granada, family law matters are handled primarily by the First Instance Courts with family jurisdiction, located at Avenida del Sur, 3, 18014 Granada and Plaza Nueva, 8, 18009 Granada. The Granada Court of Instance features specialized sections for Family, Childhood, and Capacity (Plaza nº 3, phone: 958 98 30 29). The Civil Registry is located at Avda. del Sur, 1-3-5 (phone: 958 983 110), managing registrations such as marriages and births.
The judicial district of Granada covers a significant population, centralizing family law proceedings for the city and its immediate surroundings. This centralization streamlines access to judicial services and facilitates coordination among the various bodies involved, such as the Civil Registry and the First Instance Courts, directly impacting processing times and user experience.
Types of Divorce, Timeframes, and Costs in Granada
In Granada, as in the rest of Spain, there are two main types of divorce: mutual agreement divorce and contested divorce.
- Mutual agreement divorce: This process applies when both spouses agree on the divorce terms and jointly submit a proposed regulatory agreement. The typical timeframe for a judgment is 2 to 3 months from the filing of the petition.
- Contested divorce: When there is no agreement, a judicial process is required in which each party presents their claims. Resolution time is usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the court's caseload and the case's complexity.
Regarding the average cost of a divorce process in Granada, a mutual agreement divorce generally ranges from 600 to 1,200 euros (covering lawyer and court representative fees, plus possible notary and administrative expenses if processed before a notary in cases without minor children). A contested divorce typically incurs higher costs, often exceeding 2,000 euros depending on complexity and whether independent expert reports are needed.
The regulatory agreement is a key document in mutual agreement divorces. It must include at least:
- Allocation of the family home.
- Custody arrangements for minor children and visitation schedules.
- Child support and, if applicable, spousal maintenance.
- Division of joint assets and liquidation of the marital property regime, if appropriate.
Child Support and Custody: Criteria and Figures in Granada
Criteria for determining child support in Granada follow Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, which states that the amount is based on the children's needs and the parents' financial resources. Courts apply the principle of proportionality, requiring each parent to contribute according to their means. The average child support in Spain ranges from 150 to 400 euros per child, but may vary depending on each family's income and circumstances.
Regarding custody, Granada courts assess the best interests of the child (Art. 92 CC). Joint custody is increasingly common when both parents live in Granada or nearby areas and can guarantee the child's stability. Sole custody is granted when necessary due to factors such as distant residences, work schedule incompatibilities, or serious parental conflict.
The standard visitation schedule in sole custody cases often includes:
- Alternate weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon).
- Half of school holidays.
- One or two midweek visits, with or without overnight stays depending on the child's age.
Why Choose Our Law Firm in Granada
Our firm, located in Granada, offers a comprehensive approach to family law with in-person attention in the city and online consultations. We prioritize mediation and out-of-court negotiation to resolve family disputes, minimizing litigation to reduce timeframes and costs for those involved.
In complex proceedings, we collaborate with independent medical experts when it is necessary to prove personal or financial circumstances. We provide a no-obligation initial consultation in Granada, where we assess your case's viability and the best legal options available according to current legislation and local court practices.
