Family Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Where to go and local specifics
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, family law proceedings such as divorce, custody, and child support are handled by the Family Sections of the Courts of First Instance. These courts are located at the Ciudad de la Justicia, on Calle Málaga, 2, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For Civil Registry matters—such as marriage, birth, or adoption registrations—the office is at the same address, with public service hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (evidence #2, #3, #8, #10, #12, #16).
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the main judicial district in the province, serving not only the city but also the surrounding metropolitan area. The volume of family law cases is significant, given the local population density and diverse family situations. The presence of several family courts allows for relatively prompt handling of uncontested matters, but contentious cases may take longer depending on the court's workload.
Divorce in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Types, timeframes, and costs
Uncontested divorce is the quickest and least expensive procedure, usually finalized within 2 to 3 months from filing, provided both parties agree on the terms and all required documents are submitted. In contrast, contested divorce—when there is no agreement on key issues like custody or support—may take 6 to 12 months, depending on the court's schedule and case complexity.
In terms of cost, legal and court fees for an uncontested divorce typically range from €800 to €1,800, increasing if property division or additional disputes are involved. These amounts vary based on case complexity and services included, such as agreement negotiation, court hearings, or independent expert reports for custody or asset division disputes.
The settlement agreement is a fundamental document in any family law process. It must address at least the following:
- Determination of child custody arrangements.
- Visitation schedules, communication, and stays.
- Assignment of use of the family home.
- Amount and payment terms for child support and, if applicable, spousal support.
- Division of family debts and obligations.
Child support and custody: Criteria and figures in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Child support is calculated based on the principle of proportionality as set out in Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code: both parents' incomes and the children's specific needs are considered. In practice, courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria usually set child support amounts in line with national averages, typically between €150 and €400 per month per child, although this may vary according to specific circumstances.
As for custody, courts prioritize the best interests of the child. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, shared custody is increasingly common, especially if both parents live in the city and have a minimum level of cooperation. However, sole custody is still granted in cases of serious conflict or when one parent cannot provide daily care. The standard visitation schedule usually includes alternating weekends, half of school holidays, and sometimes one or two weekday evenings, always tailored to each family's reality.
Why choose our law firm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Our law firm, based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offers a comprehensive approach to family law matters. We prioritize mediation and out-of-court negotiation to avoid unnecessary litigation, seeking sustainable agreements for all parties involved. We provide both in-person and online consultations, accommodating clients living in the city or abroad.
We work with independent medical experts when it is necessary to demonstrate circumstances affecting custody, visitation, or support. You can schedule a no-obligation initial consultation to assess your situation and receive clear guidance on the steps to take before the Family Courts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
