Family Courts in Torrevieja: Procedures and Local Particularities
If you live in Torrevieja and need to initiate a family law proceeding, it's important to know that matters such as divorce, separation, child custody, and other family issues are handled at the First Instance Courts of Torrevieja. All civil courts in the city, including those specialized in family matters, are located at Calle Patricio Zammit, 50, 03182 Torrevieja, according to the official directory of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ). This central building streamlines case management and provides easy access to procedural information.
As the judicial district's head in the province of Alicante, Torrevieja's courts process not only local family cases but also those from nearby towns. While no public data is available on the exact number of divorces in Torrevieja, recent years have seen Alicante province report a high rate of marital dissolution, in line with the national average.
Types of Divorce: Procedure, Timeframes, and Costs in Torrevieja
Both mutual agreement divorce and contentious divorce can be processed in Torrevieja. Mutual agreement divorce is the fastest method: if both parties agree on family measures (custody, support, housing, etc.), the process typically concludes within an estimated 2 to 3 months from the filing date. In contrast, contentious divorce—where no agreement exists and the judge must decide—can take 6 to 12 months, depending on the court's workload and case complexity.
The average cost of a mutual agreement divorce in Torrevieja, including lawyer and court representative, generally ranges from 600 to 1,200 euros, depending on case complexity and professional fees. Contentious divorces are more expensive due to the longer duration and greater judicial involvement.
The regulatory agreement is a key document in mutual agreement divorces. It must include at least:
- Allocation of the family home
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Amount and payment terms of child support
- Spousal support, if applicable
- Distribution of shared assets and liabilities
Child Support and Custody: Criteria and Figures in Torrevieja
Child support is set according to Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, which states it should be proportional to the parents' resources and the children's needs. In practice, Torrevieja courts apply criteria similar to those across Spain, taking into account local living standards. The average child support per child in Spain ranges from 150 to 400 euros per month, but the specific amount depends on both parents' incomes and the children's proven needs.
Regarding custody, the trend in the Valencian Community—and in Torrevieja—is to favor joint custody whenever it serves the child's best interests (Article 92 CC and Supreme Court jurisprudence). However, sole custody is still granted when one parent cannot assume daily responsibilities or in special circumstances. The standard visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent usually includes alternate weekends and half of school holidays, though it can be tailored to the family's circumstances.
Why Choose Our Law Firm in Torrevieja
We focus on mediation and extrajudicial negotiation, always seeking agreed solutions to avoid unnecessary litigation. When court intervention is needed, we defend your rights before the First Instance Courts of Torrevieja, offering in-person service at our local office as well as online consultations for clients living elsewhere or with mobility issues.
At our firm, the initial consultation is without obligation: we advise you on your case's viability, estimated timelines, and required documents. If medical evaluations are necessary, we work with independent expert witnesses to ensure objective assessments. Our experience with Torrevieja courts allows us to anticipate local criteria and provide realistic guidance regarding procedural and financial expectations.
