Family Courts in Logroño: Location and Operation
In Logroño, family law matters such as divorce, separation, or child-related measures are handled by the Courts of First Instance, which have specialized divisions for these cases. The Logroño Court of First Instance No. 1 (Family) is located at Calle Marqués de Murrieta 76, 26005 Logroño, within the Palacio de Justicia, which also houses other civil court sections. The contact phone number is 941 291491. This court is responsible for proceedings involving annulment, separation, divorce, custody, modification of measures, and other family law matters within the judicial district of Logroño, which includes the city and neighboring municipalities.
Specifics of the Logroño Judicial District
The Logroño judicial district handles most family law cases in La Rioja due to its population density and the presence of specialized courts. Proceedings are typically conducted in person at Marqués de Murrieta, but since 2020, certain processes can be managed online and hearings may be held by videoconference when justified.
Divorce in Logroño: Types, Timelines, and Real Costs
Mutual Consent vs. Contentious Divorce
As in the rest of Spain, there are two main routes for divorce in Logroño:
- Mutual Consent Divorce: Both parties agree on asset division, custody, support payments, and visitation. This is the fastest and most cost-effective option. The settlement agreement (convenio regulador) must be submitted with the petition and approved by the court.
- Contentious Divorce: Initiated when there is no agreement on key issues. These proceedings are longer and require judicial intervention to resolve disputes.
Approximate Timelines in Logroño Courts
- Mutual Consent: Proceedings generally take 2 to 3 months from the filing of the petition to the final judgment, depending on court workload and how quickly the settlement agreement is ratified.
- Contentious: These cases may last between 6 and 12 months, depending on complexity, evidence, and the court's schedule.
Indicative Costs
The cost of family law proceedings in Logroño varies depending on the route chosen and case complexity. As a guideline:
- Mutual Consent: Legal fees typically range from €800 to €1,500 (plus VAT), covering the drafting of the settlement agreement, advice, and court submission.
- Contentious: Costs can range from €1,500 to €3,000 (plus VAT), depending on duration, evidence, and any appeals.
What the Settlement Agreement Must Include
The convenio regulador is mandatory in mutual consent divorces and must cover at least:
- Determination of child custody.
- Visitation, communication, and stay arrangements for the non-custodial parent.
- Establishment of child support and, if applicable, spousal support.
- Allocation of the family home and division of joint assets.
Child Support and Custody in Logroño: Legal Criteria and Real Figures
Child Support: Legal Criteria and Averages
Child support is set in accordance with Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, which requires proportionality between the parents' resources and the children's needs. In Logroño courts, the following are considered:
- Net income of both parents.
- Children's ordinary and extraordinary expenses.
- Shared or sole custody arrangements.
The average child support per child in Spain is between €150 and €400 per month, though each case is assessed individually. The amount may increase for special needs (disability, medical costs, school activities).
Shared vs. Sole Custody
- Shared Custody: Since the 2015 legal reform and Supreme Court case law, shared custody is the preferred option if both parents can guarantee the children's stability and well-being. In Logroño, this arrangement is increasingly common unless circumstances suggest otherwise.
- Sole Custody: Granted when shared custody is not feasible. The non-custodial parent is typically granted alternate weekends, one weekday visit, and half of school holidays.
Why Choose Our Firm in Logroño
Our firm, with physical offices in Logroño, combines mediation and extrajudicial negotiation to reach agreements and avoid litigation whenever possible. We offer in-person consultations in Logroño and online consultations for those living elsewhere or facing mobility challenges. The initial consultation is without obligation, allowing us to assess your situation and advise you on your best legal options.
We work with independent medical experts when special circumstances must be proven and prioritize negotiated solutions, but we defend your rights before the Logroño courts if conflict is unavoidable.
