Separation and divorce are hard anywhere. Going through them in a foreign country — with a different legal system, a different language and often an international dimension — adds a layer of stress that nobody needs. Our family law team helps foreign residents in Granada through divorce, custody, maintenance and inheritance matters in English, with the sensitivity and discretion these cases deserve.

What we do

• Divorce and legal separation — both mutual agreement (faster and less costly) and contested proceedings.
• Child custody and visitation, including shared custody arrangements and modification of existing court orders.
• Child maintenance and spousal support — setting, enforcing and modifying payments.
• International family cases: which country has jurisdiction, which law applies, relocation abroad with children, recognition of foreign judgments.
• Unmarried couples (parejas de hecho): registration, agreements and separation.
• Inheritance and estates: wills, probate of Spanish assets, inheritance tax in Andalusia and cross-border successions.

Divorce in Spain: what foreigners need to know

Spain is a comparatively straightforward jurisdiction for divorce. There is no mandatory separation period — you can file immediately. If both spouses agree on the terms (custody, use of the family home, maintenance, division of assets), the mutual-agreement procedure with a settlement agreement (convenio regulador) is quick and predictable. Where there is no agreement, the contested route takes longer and the judge decides the disputed points.

For international couples, two questions come first: which country’s courts have jurisdiction, and which country’s law applies. EU regulations generally allow spouses resident in Spain to divorce here, and choices made early — sometimes before filing — can significantly affect the outcome. We analyse this before any step is taken.

We believe you should know what your legal representation costs before you commit. The in-person consultation at our Granada office is 60 €, and before we take on any case we give you a clear written quote and agree the terms together — no hidden charges, no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

Can I divorce in Spain if I was married abroad?

In most cases, yes. If you are habitually resident in Spain you can normally divorce before the Spanish courts even if you married abroad, and EU regulations determine jurisdiction where spouses have different nationalities. We check jurisdiction and applicable law before filing, so there are no surprises.

How long does a divorce take in Spain?

Spain has no mandatory separation period — you can file immediately. A mutual-agreement divorce with a signed settlement (convenio regulador) can be completed in a few weeks to a few months. A contested divorce takes considerably longer, often a year or more depending on the court.

How is child custody decided for international families?

Spanish courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Shared custody is increasingly common. If one parent wishes to relocate abroad with the children, court authorisation is generally required — these international relocation cases need careful legal handling from the outset.

My partner and I are not married. Do we have rights in Spain?

Unmarried couples (parejas de hecho) have specific rights in Andalusia regarding registration, children and property, but they differ substantially from marriage. We advise on registration, cohabitation agreements and what happens on separation.

Can you help with inheritance matters in Spain?

Yes. Our family department handles inheritance and estates for foreign residents: wills in Spain, probate of Spanish assets, inheritance tax in Andalusia and cross-border successions under the EU Succession Regulation.

Talk to a family lawyer who speaks your language

Before you make any decision about your separation, custody or estate, understand your rights. Contact us for a clear, honest assessment of your situation — in English.

Also in English: all our services for expats · criminal defence · business law. Full Spanish version: abogado de familia en Granada.