Family Courts in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat: Local Reference and Access to Justice
In L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, family law proceedings — such as divorces, separations, custody or support — are handled by the Courts of First Instance, located at Avda. del Carrilet, 2, Edificio H (Ciutat de la Justícia), 08902 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. This site houses both civil courts and the Citizen Service Office and Civil Registry, streamlining the management of family and civil status procedures (marriages, birth registrations, etc.), according to official information from the General Council of the Judiciary and the municipal electronic office.
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, as the second most populated municipality in Catalonia, sees a high volume of family law matters. Although there are no official figures published for the number of divorces in the municipality in 2023, the L'Hospitalet Judicial District processes hundreds of family law cases annually, reflecting the area's social diversity and the importance of specialized legal advice locally.
Divorce in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat: Mutual Agreement and Contentious Proceedings
In family law, divorce can be processed in two ways:
- Mutual agreement divorce: Requires consensus on essential matters (custody, support, use of the family home, etc.). A joint petition is filed with a regulatory agreement. The actual processing time in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat is typically 2 to 3 months from filing to judgment, provided there are no complications.
- Contentious divorce: Initiated when there is no agreement or there are disputes on key points. The process is longer, usually taking 6 to 12 months, depending on court workload and case complexity.
The average indicative cost of a mutual agreement divorce in the province of Barcelona ranges from €700 to €1,200 (including lawyer, court representative, and fees), while a contentious divorce can exceed €1,500, depending on complexity and the need for expert or social reports. These amounts may vary, so during the no-obligation initial consultation, a tailored estimate is provided.
The regulatory agreement is essential in mutual agreement divorces. In accordance with Article 90 of the Spanish Civil Code, it must include:
- Custody arrangements for minor children.
- Visitation and communication rights for the non-custodial parent.
- Use of the family home.
- Child support and, where appropriate, spousal support.
- Division of common assets and liabilities.
Support and Custody: Criteria in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Child support is calculated based on proportionality (Article 146 CC): it depends on both parents' incomes and the children's actual needs. The courts in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat use the General Council of the Judiciary's guideline tables, with the average child support in Spain ranging between €150 and €400 per month per child. For very low or high incomes, the amount is adjusted to the minimum subsistence level or to special needs.
Regarding custody, Catalan law (Book II of the Civil Code of Catalonia) favors joint custody unless it is not in the child's best interest. The court considers both parents' involvement, the distance between homes, and the prior relationship with the children. In cases of sole custody, the standard visitation regime usually includes:
- Alternating weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon).
- Half of school holidays (Christmas, Easter, summer).
- One or two weekday afternoons, depending on availability and distance.
Use of the family home is generally awarded to the custodial parent, especially if there are minor children, until they reach adulthood or financial independence.
Why Choose This Firm in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Our firm in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat offers mediation and out-of-court negotiation to facilitate agreements that avoid confrontation and expedite proceedings. We provide in-person service near the courts at Avda. del Carrilet, 2, as well as online consultations for those unable to attend in person.
Our services include:
- Drafting regulatory agreements in accordance with Catalan and Spanish law.
- Legal representation before the Courts of First Instance in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
- Collaboration with independent medical experts when required (disability assessments, psychological reports, etc.).
- No-obligation initial consultation: personalized analysis, guidance on next steps, costs, and timelines.
Our proximity to the Ciutat de la Justícia allows for agile management and close monitoring of each case. We are committed to defending your rights at every stage, adapting to the reality of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and its judicial district.
