Divorce in Barcelona: fast, with lawyers who support you from start to finish
We process your divorce with a clear focus: protecting your interests and giving you peace of mind.
We support you and protect your interests throughout the entire process
If you are considering divorce, the most important thing is to do it safely and without unnecessary complications. At Martínez & Caballero Lawyers, we process your mutual agreement divorce (express divorce), contested divorce, and, when possible, divorce before a notary, with a clear focus: protecting your interests and giving you peace of mind.
Solid regulatory agreement without loose ends
Advice on children, housing, and pensions
Online and in-person processing in Barcelona
What divorce options exist in Spain?
In Spain, divorce can be requested by both spouses, by one with the consent of the other, or even by one alone, without the need to allege causes as was required before the reform.
What changes between one route and another is the degree of agreement, the timeframes, and the cost.
Types of divorce we process in Barcelona
Mutual agreement divorce (express divorce)
This is the fastest and most economical route when you both agree to divorce and on the measures (children, housing, pensions, division of assets, etc.). It is formalized through a regulatory agreement and is normally processed through judicial channels with a lawyer and attorney.
Ideal if you want: speed, lower cost, and less conflict.
Contested divorce
If there is no agreement, a contested proceeding is initiated so that the judge determines the measures (custody, pensions, use of housing, etc.). It requires a clear legal strategy from the outset.
Ideal if: there is disagreement regarding children, finances, housing, or blocked communication.
Divorce before a notary (when possible)
In certain cases of mutual agreement and without minor children, divorce can be formalized before a notary (with legal assistance). The General Council of Notaries indicates that if there are minor children, it cannot be done before a notary and must be judicial.
Ideal if: you are seeking a very streamlined process and meet the requirements.
What our divorce service includes
Initial analysis and strategy
Review of your situation (children, housing, finances, assets)
Recommendation of the most appropriate route (mutual agreement / contested / notarial)
Initial analysis and strategy
Custody and visitation regime
Child support and extraordinary expenses
Use of the family home
Division of charges (mortgage, rent, utilities)
Compensatory pension (if applicable)
Measures relating to pets (if applicable)
Processing and monitoring of the proceeding
Preparation of petition and documentation
Coordination with attorney (when applicable)
Monitoring of deadlines and case status
Clear communication with you at each stage
Post-divorce advice (highly valued)
Subsequent changes to measures (if necessary)
Questions about compliance, non-payment, or changes in circumstances
Why choose Martínez & Caballero Lawyers
In practice, it is usually necessary to gather basic documentation such as marriage certificate, birth certificates of children (if any), and registration documents, in addition to financial information if pensions are to be set or charges divided.
Clear language: you will know what is being done and why
Practical approach: we seek solid agreements when possible
Experience in family proceedings in Barcelona
Close treatment. Online and in-person service
Indicative timeframes: how long does a divorce take?
Timeframes vary depending on the court and complexity, but in general:
Mutual agreement: usually the most streamlined, as there is a signed regulatory agreement.
Contested: may be prolonged due to negotiation, evidence, and hearings.
If the case allows notary, it is usually faster as it involves formalizing a mutual agreement without minor children.
Documentation required to initiate divorce
In practice, it is usually necessary to gather basic documentation such as marriage certificate, birth certificates of children (if any), and registration documents, in addition to financial information if pensions are to be set or charges divided.
Quick checklist:
Literal marriage certificate
Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
Registration certificate
Financial documentation (payslips, income, mortgage/rent, etc.)
Deeds/simple note if there is housing or other assets
Price of divorce in Barcelona
To give you clarity from the outset, on this page we provide you with a “from” price and adjust according to your case.
Mutual agreement divorce (express)
From €484 VAT included per spouse (according to service conditions).
Includes: Lawyer + Agreement.
Notarial (without minor children)
From €363 VAT included/2 spouses + notary fees.
Includes: Lawyer + Agreement.
Contested divorce
Personalized quote, as it depends on the degree of conflict, measures to be requested, and asset complexity.
Indicative timeframes: how long does a divorce take?
Timeframes vary depending on the court and complexity, but in general:
Mutual agreement: usually the most streamlined, as there is a signed regulatory agreement.
Contested: may be prolonged due to negotiation, evidence, and hearings.
If the case allows notary, it is usually faster as it involves formalizing a mutual agreement without minor children.
Frequently asked questions about divorce in Barcelona
How much does a divorce cost in Barcelona?
The cost of divorce depends on the type of proceeding. A mutual agreement divorce is usually more economical because there is consensus between the parties and a joint regulatory agreement is submitted. Contested divorce usually has a higher cost as it requires a more complex judicial proceeding. It is always advisable to request a personalized quote according to the case.
What is the difference between mutual agreement divorce and contested divorce?
Mutual agreement divorce occurs when both spouses agree to divorce and on the conditions (custody, housing, pensions, etc.). It is faster and more economical.
Contested divorce is processed when there is no agreement and the judge must determine the measures after assessing each party’s situation.
Is it necessary to allege a cause to divorce in Spain?
No. In Spain it is not necessary to justify a specific cause to request divorce. It is sufficient for one of the spouses to express their wish to divorce.
How long does a divorce take in Barcelona?
The timeframe depends on the type of divorce and the court. A mutual agreement divorce can be resolved in a few months, while a contested divorce may take longer due to the need for evidence, court hearings, and possible appeals.
What is the regulatory agreement and what does it include?
The regulatory agreement is the document that establishes the conditions of divorce in cases of mutual agreement. It includes aspects such as:
Custody and visitation regime for children
Child support
Use of the family home
Division of financial charges
Compensatory pension if applicable
It is a key document that must be drafted precisely to avoid future conflicts.
Can I divorce if my partner does not want to?
Yes. Divorce can be requested even if the other party does not agree. In that case, the proceeding will be contested and the judge will decide the applicable measures.
Can measures be modified after divorce?
Yes. If economic or personal circumstances change substantially (for example, job loss or change of residence), a modification of measures can be requested before the court.
What documents do I need to initiate a divorce?
Normally required:
Literal marriage certificate
Birth certificates of children
Registration certificate
Financial documentation (payslips, tax return, mortgage, etc.)
Depending on the case, additional documents may be required.
Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer to divorce?
Yes. In both mutual agreement and contested divorces, the intervention of a lawyer and attorney is mandatory, except in cases of divorce before a notary, where legal assistance is still necessary.
Can divorce be done before a notary?
Yes, but only in certain cases. Divorce before a notary is possible when it is by mutual agreement and there are no minor children or dependent children with disabilities. If there are minor children, the divorce must be processed judicially.
What happens with custody of children in a divorce?
Custody can be shared or exclusive to one of the parents, always considering the best interests of the child. The judge will assess factors such as each parent’s involvement, stability, availability, and family environment.
How is child support determined?
Child support is calculated taking into account the children’s needs and the parents’ financial capacity. It includes basic expenses such as food, housing, education, and healthcare, and can be supplemented with extraordinary expenses.
What happens with the family home after divorce?
The use of the family home is usually attributed to the custodial parent and minor children, although each case is different. It must also be analyzed whether the home is owned by one or both spouses and whether there is a mortgage.
What is compensatory pension?
Compensatory pension may be granted when one of the spouses is left in a situation of economic imbalance after divorce. It is not automatic and depends on factors such as duration of marriage, dedication to the family, and employment situation.
What happens if my ex-partner does not pay child support?
Non-payment of the pension can be claimed judicially. There are mechanisms to enforce the judgment and demand compliance with the financial obligations established in the divorce.
Does divorce affect inheritance or common assets?
Yes. Divorce involves the dissolution of the matrimonial economic regime and may require the liquidation of community or common assets. It is important to analyze the assets before initiating the proceeding.
Can I divorce even if we have been married for a short time?
Yes. Currently, a long minimum period is not necessary to divorce. It is sufficient that three months have elapsed since the marriage was celebrated, except in exceptional situations.
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
Separation suspends cohabitation but does not dissolve the marital bond. Divorce does end the marriage and allows remarriage in the future.
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