Family courts in Portugalete: key information and local specifics
Portugalete, located in the province of Vizcaya, has its Juzgado de Paz (Peace Court) at Plaza del Solar S/N and on Calle Marcelino Amenabar, s/n (48920 Portugalete), where civil and family matters such as separations, divorces, custody, and support are handled. For more significant proceedings like contested divorces or modifications of measures, jurisdiction lies with the Courts of First Instance, which are typically centralized in nearby judicial districts (often Barakaldo), but initial actions and the issuance of certificates are usually managed in Portugalete.
The Civil Registry of Portugalete (Plaza del Solar S/N, phone 944729200) is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. Here, marriage files, birth registrations, and other essential civil acts in family law proceedings are processed.
Types of divorce: timelines, costs, and steps in Portugalete
Currently, Spanish law distinguishes two main forms of divorce:
- Mutual agreement divorce: This is the fastest and least expensive. If both parties agree on measures (custody, support, use of the home, visitation), the procedure is usually resolved within 2 to 3 months. The regulatory agreement is reviewed and judicially approved.
- Contested divorce: If there is no agreement, each party presents their claims and the judge decides. The process is longer, usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the court's workload and the complexity of the case.
As for costs, professional fees vary depending on complexity and whether the process is by mutual agreement or contested. As a guideline, a mutual agreement divorce may cost approximately €700-1200 (plus VAT and expenses), while a contested divorce usually exceeds €1500. These amounts cover the drafting of the claim, regulatory agreement, court attendance, and court proceedings.
The regulatory agreement is mandatory in mutual agreement divorces and includes:
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support and, where appropriate, compensatory support
- Use of the family home
- Division of common property
Child support, custody, and visitation: criteria and typical figures
Article 93 of the Civil Code establishes the obligation to contribute to the support of minor children and those of legal age who are not financially independent. Criteria for setting child support are based on proportionality between both parents' incomes and the children's real needs (food, education, housing, health, leisure).
In practice, the average child support per child in Spain ranges between €150 and €400 per month, although in Vizcaya, decisions may be adjusted to local average incomes. The court will assess net income, number of children, and ordinary and extraordinary expenses.
Regarding custody, current jurisprudence favors shared custody unless there is serious conflict, distance between homes, or circumstances that advise against it (art. 92 CC). If sole custody is granted to one parent, the other is entitled to a standard visitation schedule: alternate weekends and two afternoons during the week, with extended time during school holidays.
Why trust our law firm in Portugalete
Our firm offers specialized family law services, with face-to-face attention in Portugalete and online advice for those who need it. We are committed to mediation and out-of-court negotiation to resolve family disputes, saving time, costs, and emotional strain. We defend your rights before the courts of Portugalete and collaborate with independent medical experts for reports in family law cases when necessary.
The no-obligation initial consultation allows us to assess your situation, analyze the feasibility of agreements, and present the most suitable legal options for your specific case.
