Family Courts in Sabadell: Local Reference and Operations
Family law proceedings in Sabadell are handled by the First Instance Courts, located at Avda. Francesc Macià, 34-36, Torre 1, Eix Macià, 08208, Sabadell. This judicial complex is responsible for matters such as divorce, modification of measures, child custody, alimony, and incapacity proceedings. The Sabadell Civil Registry, at the same address, covers births, marriages, and other related civil events.
Sabadell is part of Judicial District 8 in the province of Barcelona. This means that all family law claims by residents are processed in these courts, avoiding the need to travel to Barcelona city. The volume of cases reflects the urban character and population density of Sabadell, resulting in significant demand for specialized family law services.
Types of Divorce in Sabadell: Mutual Agreement and Contentious
As in the rest of Catalonia, there are two main ways to process a divorce in Sabadell:
- Mutual agreement divorce: both parties submit a joint proposal for a regulatory agreement. This is the fastest option, with typical processing times of 2 to 3 months from filing to judgment. It minimizes costs and conflict.
- Contentious divorce: initiated when there is no agreement on child, alimony, or asset division matters. The process is longer, with realistic timelines of 6 to 12 months depending on the court's workload and case complexity.
The average cost of a divorce process in Sabadell varies according to the chosen route. For mutual agreement cases, fees typically range from €600 to €1,200 for both spouses if sharing a lawyer, including the regulatory agreement and court processing. In contentious proceedings, fees may increase significantly, with usual ranges between €1,500 and €3,500 per spouse, depending on hearings and the need for expert evidence. These figures are indicative and may vary according to complexity and specific agreements.
The Regulatory Agreement: Content and Requirements
In mutual agreement divorces, a regulatory agreement is mandatory. This document must include:
- Exercise of parental authority and child custody arrangements.
- Visitation, stays, and communications with children for the non-custodial parent.
- Child support and, where appropriate, spousal maintenance.
- Use of the family home.
- Liquidation of the matrimonial property regime, if applicable.
The agreement must comply with the best interests of the children and cannot contain unlawful or seriously detrimental provisions. The court reviews the content and may require changes if imbalances or harm to minors are detected.
Child Support and Custody in Sabadell: Criteria and Indicative Figures
Child support is determined under Article 93 of the Spanish Civil Code, applicable in Catalonia along with regional regulations. Key criteria include:
- Proportionate to each parent's income: the financial capacity of both is assessed.
- Children's needs: food, housing, education, leisure, and health.
In practice, the average child support per child in Spain ranges between €150 and €400 per month, with adjustments for local living standards and family circumstances in Sabadell. Payment continues until the child achieves financial independence, not necessarily at age 18.
Regarding custody, Sabadell courts apply the principle of parental co-responsibility, favoring shared custody when possible and beneficial for children. Exclusive custody remains common in specific cases (e.g., high conflict or lack of time availability).
The typical visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent includes alternate weekends and half of school holidays, but can be adapted to each family's needs.
Why Choose Our Firm in Sabadell
Our Sabadell-based firm emphasizes mediation and out-of-court negotiation, seeking tailored solutions to avoid unnecessary litigation. We provide in-person and online consultations to suit your needs, ensuring efficient communication and document management.
When necessary, we collaborate with independent medical experts to support cases involving vulnerability or disability. The no-obligation initial consultation allows you to discuss your situation and receive clear guidance on legal steps, rights, and obligations.
