Divorce and Family Law in Mataró: Local Information and Judicial Reality
In Mataró, family law proceedings such as divorce, child custody, or modification of measures are handled by the Courts of First Instance of the local judicial district. The main courthouse is located at Plaça Francisco Tomás i Valiente, s/n, 08302 Mataró (source: Poder Judicial and Mataró City Council). Both the civil courts and the Civil Registry are situated here, centralizing all family law matters and procedures such as marriage registrations, births, or changes in custody arrangements.
The judicial district of Mataró covers not only the city itself but also neighboring municipalities in the Maresme region. This means that family law cases involving residents of these municipalities are also resolved at the Mataró courts. The centralization of these competencies in a single location streamlines procedures and hearings, allowing for more efficient access to files and court sessions, although it can lead to a higher workload during peak times.
How is a divorce processed in Mataró? Types, timelines, and average costs
There are two main types of divorce proceedings in Mataró: mutual agreement divorce and contested divorce.
- Mutual agreement divorce: Both parties submit a joint proposal, including a regulatory agreement. The process is typically resolved within 2 to 3 months from submission to the court, provided there are no minors in special protection situations or documentation issues.
- Contested divorce: When there is no agreement, each party files its own claim and the process requires a court hearing. The average timeframe is longer, usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the court's workload and case complexity.
Regarding costs, for a mutual agreement divorce in Mataró, lawyer and court representative fees usually range from €700 to €1,500 for both spouses if they share representation, plus possible notary fees if processed before a notary (only possible without minor children). Contested divorces involve higher costs, generally starting from €1,200 per party, depending on complexity and number of hearings.
The regulatory agreement is mandatory in mutual agreement divorces and in proceedings involving minors. It must at least include:
- Parental authority and custody arrangements for minor children.
- Child support payments.
- Visitation and communication schedules for the non-custodial parent.
- Use of the family home.
- Distribution of joint assets and liabilities, if applicable.
Child support and custody: criteria and relevant figures in Mataró
Child support for minor children is established according to Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, based on the children's needs and the parents' financial capacity. The courts in Mataró, like those throughout Catalonia, apply proportionality criteria and reference guidelines. In practice, the average child support in Spain ranges from €150 to €400 per child, although the exact amount depends on both parents' incomes, the number and ages of children, and the specific circumstances of each case.
Shared custody is increasingly common in Mataró, following Catalan trends and Supreme Court doctrine. However, sole custody is still granted when deemed more beneficial for the child, such as in high-conflict cases or when the parents live far apart. The standard visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent typically includes alternate weekends and half of school holidays, but can be adapted to each family's needs.
In all family law proceedings, the child's best interests are paramount. The court may request reports from Mataró's Judicial Technical Team to assess the suitability of proposed arrangements, especially in cases of serious disagreement.
Professional support in Mataró: Mediation, negotiation, and local service
At our Mataró office, we prioritize mediation and out-of-court negotiation to achieve lasting agreements, especially in divorce and custody cases. We collaborate with independent medical and psychological experts when technical evaluations are required. We offer in-person consultations in Mataró and online services to make legal assistance accessible and convenient for our clients.
The no-obligation initial consultation allows us to assess your case's viability, explain your options, and answer questions about proceedings in the Mataró courts. Our knowledge of local practices and the criteria used by the city's courts ensures a legal defense tailored to the actual judicial reality of the district.
