Expert Family Lawyers: Compassionate Guidance for Every Stage

Yes — Barcelona has numerous bilingual and English-speaking family lawyers used to working with expats. They can prepare documents in English and Spanish/Catalan, and arrange sworn translations where required. For court hearings, proceedings are in Spanish or Catalan, so a sworn interpreter can be organised if needed.

In Barcelona, an uncontested divorce commonly starts around €700–€1,500 plus notary, procurador and translation costs. Contested cases can range from €2,000 to €6,000+ depending on complexity, with hourly rates often €120–€250. Fees are set by each lawyer and paid directly to them; directories typically don’t list prices.

An uncontested divorce (mutuo acuerdo) can take roughly 2–4 months once papers are filed, depending on the court’s agenda. Contested divorces often run 6–18 months or more due to evidence, expert reports and hearings. Timelines vary by court workload, negotiations between parties, and translation needs.

For expats, you’ll usually need your marriage certificate, passports/NIEs, and children’s birth certificates, plus any prenuptial agreements. Foreign certificates typically require an apostille and official sworn translation into Spanish (or Catalan). Proof of residence, income, and proposed parenting plan are commonly requested to support settlement terms.

Spanish courts decide custody on the child’s best interests; shared custody is common in Catalonia but not automatic. Child maintenance is calculated from incomes, needs and time with each parent, guided by orientative tables. International elements may involve EU rules and Hague conventions on jurisdiction and relocation.

Mediation isn’t mandatory in Spain, but it’s encouraged and widely used in Barcelona to reach faster, lower‑conflict agreements. Catalonia offers public family mediation services, and private mediators can work bilingually. A mediated settlement, reviewed by your lawyer, is usually approved by the court in uncontested proceedings.

A procurador is a court representative required in most family proceedings to handle filings and notifications. Your abogado (lawyer) manages strategy and negotiation, while the procurador ensures procedural steps are met. Fees are separate and should be outlined alongside your lawyer’s costs at the outset.

Check membership with the Barcelona Bar (ICAB), verified reviews, and a clear track record in international family law. Ask for a written fee proposal, timelines, and who will handle your case day‑to‑day. Request references or case summaries and ensure communication can be held in your preferred language.

Spanish divorces are generally recognised abroad with the final judgment, apostille and certified translation. Within the EU, recognition is streamlined; for the UK and other countries, procedures still exist and are usually straightforward with proper documentation. Always confirm any additional local requirements in your home jurisdiction.

Yes. Prenuptial agreements in Spain are called capitulaciones matrimoniales and are signed before a notary, choosing your matrimonial property regime. Expats often request bilingual drafting and sworn translations; if one partner is abroad, powers of attorney can be used. Recognition abroad may require apostille and translation.