If you are a US citizen married in Spain, living on the Costa Blanca, or owning property in Spain and now facing a separation, you need a divorce lawyer who understands both the Spanish family-law system and the cross-border issues that arise when one or both spouses are American. We have represented British, European and American clients in divorce and family matters on the Costa Blanca and in Valencia since 1992.
Why American couples need a Spanish divorce lawyer
When an American couple — or a mixed American–European couple — divorces while resident in Spain, or where assets such as a Costa Blanca property are situated in Spain, the divorce is generally governed by Spanish law and processed before the Spanish family courts. A US divorce decree does not automatically dispose of Spanish-situs assets. We act for American spouses throughout the process, in English, with direct legal advice from qualified Spanish lawyers and no interpreters.
Jurisdiction — when do Spanish courts handle your divorce?
Spanish courts have jurisdiction where either spouse is habitually resident in Spain, and may accept jurisdiction in other cross-border situations under Spanish and EU rules. For American spouses this most often applies when one or both have made the Costa Blanca or Valencia their home.
Mutual consent vs contested divorce
Spanish law allows divorce by mutual consent, where both spouses agree on all terms, as well as contested divorce where the court resolves disputed matters. We advise American clients on which route fits their circumstances and prepare the regulating agreement (convenio regulador).
Property in Spain — division and registration
A Costa Blanca home or other Spanish-situs asset must be dealt with under Spanish law and re-registered at the Spanish Land Registry once the divorce settles its ownership. We handle the Spanish-side property division, the notarial deeds and the Land Registry formalities.
Children and international custody
Where children are involved, custody, parental responsibility and relocation across borders raise complex questions between Spanish and US law. We represent American parents before the family courts that cover the Costa Blanca North.
Recognition of a Spanish divorce in the United States
A divorce granted in Spain is generally recognised in the United States, though recognition is a matter of the relevant US state’s rules. We provide the certified and, where required, apostilled Spanish documentation you will need.
Power of Attorney — divorcing from the USA without travelling
Most American clients we represent do not need to travel to Spain. Through a Power of Attorney signed before a notary in the United States and legalised with the Hague Apostille, our office can act on your behalf before the Spanish courts. See also our guide to the differences between divorce in Spain and the USA and our full divorce and family law service.
