Family Courts in San Sebastián de los Reyes: Key Information and Local Particularities
In San Sebastián de los Reyes, family law matters—including divorces, custody, and child support—are primarily handled at the Juzgado de Paz, located at Calle de Agustín y Antonia, 5, 28703 San Sebastián de los Reyes (phone: 916 592 801, email: juzgadodepaz.ssreyes@ssreyes.org). While this local judicial office manages civil matters and the Civil Registry, judicial divorce proceedings (especially contentious ones) are resolved by the Courts of First Instance and Instruction in Alcobendas, the judicial district to which San Sebastián de los Reyes belongs. The proximity between the two municipalities streamlines the process for local residents.
Although there are no published statistics on the number of divorces specific to San Sebastián de los Reyes, the Community of Madrid as a whole sees a significant volume of family law cases each year, reflecting a strong demand for specialized legal services in the northern Madrid area.
Types of Divorce in San Sebastián de los Reyes: Mutual Agreement and Contentious
Divorce by mutual agreement is the fastest route, allowing spouses to agree on the terms of their separation (custody, support, use of the family home, etc.) through a regulatory agreement. This type of divorce can be processed directly at the local Juzgado de Paz if there is agreement and no minor children, or at the Alcobendas courts when there are minors or disagreements. The typical timeframe for resolution is 2 to 3 months from submission of the petition and the agreement.
Contentious divorce, on the other hand, is initiated when no agreement is reached. The process is more complex and requires judicial intervention to decide on issues relating to children, support, and property. The estimated timeframe for contentious divorce in the Alcobendas courts is 6 to 12 months, depending on caseload and case complexity.
As for costs, mutual agreement divorces in the Community of Madrid generally range from €800 to €1,800 (including legal and court representative fees), while contentious divorces may exceed €2,000 due to greater duration and complexity. It is important to request a detailed quote and to know from the outset what services are included.
The Regulatory Agreement: Content and Essential Aspects
The regulatory agreement is central to mutual agreement divorces. According to Article 90 of the Civil Code, it must include at least:
- Custody and visitation arrangements for minor children.
- Child support and its updates.
- Use of the family home.
- Liquidation of the marital economic regime (if applicable).
If the agreement does not meet legal requirements, the court may require modifications before approval.
Child Support and Custody in San Sebastián de los Reyes: Criteria and Figures
Child support is calculated according to Article 146 of the Civil Code, based on proportionality between each parent's resources and the children's needs. Courts in the area generally apply criteria similar to the rest of the Community of Madrid. Nationally, average child support ranges from €150 to €400 per child, though this may vary depending on circumstances (number of children, disability, extraordinary expenses, etc.).
Regarding custody, courts in the Alcobendas judicial district pay special attention to each parent's ability to ensure the child's welfare, availability, and the proximity of residences. Shared custody is increasingly favored when both parents live nearby and maintain a cooperative relationship. In cases of sole custody, the standard visitation schedule usually includes alternating weekends and half of school holidays.
Why Choose Our Law Firm in San Sebastián de los Reyes
We offer in-person consultations in San Sebastián de los Reyes, enabling direct and efficient contact with local and Alcobendas courts. In addition, we provide online consultations for clients who prefer remote service or require flexibility. Our approach prioritizes mediation and out-of-court negotiation, seeking agreements that avoid unnecessary litigation and reduce time and costs for families.
For cases requiring special assessment (such as disability or extraordinary expenses), we collaborate with independent medical experts. The no-obligation initial consultation allows you to explain your situation and receive clear guidance on next steps, rights, and obligations in family law matters in San Sebastián de los Reyes.
