Family Courts in Tarragona: Local Reference and Procedures
In Tarragona, family law matters such as divorces, custody, and maintenance are primarily handled by the Family Sections of the Courts of First Instance. According to the General Council of the Judiciary directory, the family courts in Tarragona are located at Avda. Roma, 23, 43005 Tarragona. These courts process and resolve cases related to separations, divorces, modification of measures, custody and guardianship, child maintenance, and visitation rights. Their location in the city ensures easy access to justice for Tarragona residents and those in the surrounding area.
As the provincial capital and judicial district head, Tarragona centralizes family law procedures for a wide geographical area. While there are no recent official figures for the number of divorces per municipality, INE data shows that over 20,000 requests for marital dissolution were filed in Catalonia in 2022, underlining the importance of expert legal guidance in Tarragona.
Divorce in Tarragona: Types, Realistic Timelines, and Approximate Costs
As in the rest of Spain, there are two main types of divorce in Tarragona: mutual agreement divorce and contentious divorce. In mutual agreement divorce, both spouses jointly file the petition, along with a settlement agreement. This process is usually resolved within 2 to 3 months from filing at the relevant Court of First Instance (Avda. Roma, 23).
Contentious divorce is initiated when no agreement is possible on key issues such as custody, housing, or maintenance. In such cases, proceedings may last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the court's workload and case complexity.
Regarding costs, mutual agreement divorce generally involves lower legal fees, starting at around €800 to €1,500 for both spouses (indicative and variable depending on complexity and required services). Contentious proceedings are more expensive, often exceeding €2,000 per party, since each spouse must have their own lawyer and court representative.
The settlement agreement is essential in mutual agreement divorces and, under Article 90 of the Civil Code, must specify at least:
- Custody and guardianship arrangements for minor children.
- Visitation and communication rights.
- Assignment of use of the family home.
- How marital expenses will be covered, child maintenance, and, if applicable, spousal support.
- Liquidation of the marital economic regime, if applicable.
Child Maintenance and Custody: Criteria and Real Figures in Tarragona
One of the most sensitive aspects of family law in Tarragona is child maintenance. Under Article 146 of the Civil Code, the amount is determined based on the children’s needs and the economic capacity of both parents. In practice, Tarragona’s courts apply criteria similar to the rest of Catalonia, focusing on the net income of the parents and the number of children involved.
The average child maintenance in Spain ranges between €150 and €400 per child per month, though in Tarragona each case is assessed individually. Documentation proving parents’ income and expenses, as well as the children’s educational and health status, is essential.
Regarding custody, Tarragona courts generally favor joint custody, in line with Article 233-10 of the Civil Code of Catalonia, provided it serves the child’s best interests. Sole custody remains common when parents agree or when circumstances such as geographical distance or work schedules make joint custody impractical. The standard visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent typically includes alternate weekends and half of school vacations.
Why Choose Our Firm in Tarragona
Our firm prioritizes mediation and out-of-court negotiation to resolve family disputes in Tarragona. Face-to-face consultations at our Tarragona office and online appointments allow us to adapt to each client’s needs. The no-obligation initial consultation offers you the opportunity to explain your situation and learn about your legal options before making any decisions.
We work closely with independent medical experts when necessary to prove special circumstances, such as parental capacity or children’s health. We defend your rights before Tarragona’s family courts, always safeguarding the best interests of the children and protecting your personal and financial interests.
