Family Courts in Vilanova i la Geltrú: Local Overview and Functioning
In Vilanova i la Geltrú, family law cases are handled by the First Instance and Examining Courts, located at Ronda Ibèrica, 175, 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú (source: CGPJ Judicial Directory). This building houses several courts –including numbers 4, 5, and 7– as well as the Civil Registry, which processes family matters such as divorce, separation, child custody, and marriage procedures. The Citizen Service Office provides information and manages appointments for family law matters.
Vilanova i la Geltrú is the seat of its judicial district, also serving nearby municipalities like Canyelles, Cubelles, Olivella, Sant Pere de Ribes, and Sitges (source: Masqueabogados Civil Registry Office). All family law claims (divorce, modification of measures, enforcement of judgments, etc.) are filed at this judicial complex, streamlining proceedings for residents of the Garraf region.
Types of Divorce and Timeframes in Vilanova i la Geltrú
The two main types of divorce proceedings in family law are by mutual agreement and contested divorce. The former is faster and less expensive, as both parties agree on essential matters (custody, support, home use, etc.) and formalize them in a settlement agreement. In Vilanova i la Geltrú, a mutual agreement divorce typically takes 2 to 3 months to resolve, provided there are no incidents or excessive court workload. In contrast, a contested divorce—where the judge decides due to lack of agreement—can take 6 to 12 months, depending on court congestion and the need for expert reports.
The average indicative cost for a mutual agreement divorce in the province of Barcelona ranges from €600 to €1,200 for both spouses if they share a lawyer, while a contested divorce may exceed €2,000 per person, depending on complexity and professional fees. These amounts may vary based on the number of children, division of assets, and need for external reports.
The settlement agreement must include: parental authority and custody arrangements, visitation schedule, child support, allocation of family home, compensatory pension (if applicable), and division of joint assets.
Child Support and Custody: Criteria Used by Courts in Vilanova i la Geltrú
Child support is set according to Article 146 of the Spanish Civil Code, considering the needs of the children and both parents' financial capacity. The courts in Vilanova i la Geltrú apply the same criteria as elsewhere in the province, individually assessing each parent's income and expenses. In Spain, average child support per child usually ranges from €150 to €400 per month, though actual amounts may vary based on local living standards and specific agreements.
Regarding custody, local courts prioritize the child's best interests. Shared custody is increasingly common in Catalonia, granted based on the availability of both parents, proximity of homes, children's ages, and prior relationships. In cases of sole custody, the non-custodial parent usually has a standard visitation schedule: alternate weekends, half of school holidays, and one weekday visit, unless circumstances suggest otherwise.
Why Choose Our Firm in Vilanova i la Geltrú
We provide mediation and out-of-court negotiation services to facilitate agreements and avoid contentious proceedings whenever possible. Our firm offers both in-person service in Vilanova i la Geltrú and online consultations, tailored to each client's needs. We work with independent medical experts when required to substantiate personal or financial circumstances before the court.
The initial consultation is without obligation, allowing you to assess the best approach for your situation before making a final decision. Our knowledge of local court practice and Catalan regulations enables us to guide each client towards the most realistic options for their case.
