Divorce Lawyer Spain — English-Speaking Family Solicitor in the Costa Blanca

If you are a British, American, Irish or English-speaking expatriate divorcing in Spain — or a Spanish resident divorcing your foreign spouse — instructing an English-speaking divorce lawyer based on the Costa Blanca is essential. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers have represented international clients in over 30 years of family law cases from offices in Jávea (Alicante) and Valencia.

When does Spain have jurisdiction over your divorce?

Under the EU Regulation 2019/1111 (Brussels IIb), Spanish courts can hear your divorce if:

• Both spouses habitually reside in Spain.
• The last common habitual residence was in Spain and one spouse still lives there.
• Both spouses are Spanish nationals.
• The applicant has resided in Spain for at least 6 months and is a Spanish national, OR 12 months if not.

This means many British, American and other expat residents of Jávea, Moraira, Denia, Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Benitachell and Valencia can divorce in Spain even if they married abroad.

Why a Costa Blanca-based family lawyer matters

• Local family courts. Your case is heard in the Juzgado de Primera Instancia where you live (Jávea, Denia, Alicante, Valencia). A local lawyer attends hearings in person.
• Asset division across borders. Spanish property, UK pensions, US 401(k)s, joint bank accounts — we structure the convenio regulador (settlement agreement) to be enforceable in both jurisdictions.
• Child custody for international families. If one parent wants to return to the UK or US with the children, we advise on the Hague Convention and Spanish patria potestad rules.
• Mutual consent vs contested. A divorce by mutual consent (mutuo acuerdo) in Spain can be concluded in 2–3 months if both sides cooperate. Contested cases take 12–24 months.

How we work with English-speaking clients

1. Free initial consultation in English (call, video or in office) to assess jurisdiction, applicable law and likely outcome.
2. Document checklist in plain English. We tell you exactly what to apostille and what to translate (jurada).
3. Drafting of the convenio regulador covering use of family home, support, asset division and parenting plan.
4. Notarial signature and court filing at the relevant local Juzgado.
5. Decree of divorce (sentencia de divorcio) and Civil Registry inscription.

Ready to talk?

Call us in English on +34 965 792 946, WhatsApp +34 607 320 768, or email [email protected]. All initial consultations are confidential.

Information up to May 2025. This page is for general information only and does not substitute personal legal advice. Each case is unique.