Recognition of Foreign Divorces in Spain

If you divorced abroad and now live in Spain or own a property here, the foreign divorce has to be recognised before it has effect in Spain, for example at the Civil Registry, at the Land Registry or for a new marriage. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers handles the recognition of foreign divorces for international clients, from our office in Jávea and our associated office in Dénia, on the Costa Blanca.

WhyWhen recognition is needed

• To update your civil status at the Spanish Civil Registry.
• To sell, buy or transfer a property in Spain as a divorced person.
• To divide a property in Spain that both former spouses still own.
• To remarry in Spain.

Two routesEU and non-EU divorces

• Divorces from the EUA divorce granted in another EU country is recognised without a special procedure. It is presented with the certificate provided for in the EU Regulation and a sworn translation.
• Divorces from outside the EUA divorce from the United Kingdom after Brexit, the United States, Canada, Australia or other countries is recognised through the exequatur procedure before a Spanish court. The decree needs an apostille and a sworn translation.

AfterwardsThe Spanish steps that follow

Once the divorce is recognised, we deal with what follows in Spain: the Civil Registry, the deed for the property before a Spanish notary and its registration at the Land Registry.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to travel to Spain?

Not for everything. Much of the work can be done remotely. Where Spanish law requires each of you to confirm the agreement personally, we explain from the start how and where it can be done in your case.

Which documents do I need?

The divorce decree, with an apostille where required, and a sworn translation into Spanish. We tell you exactly what your case needs before you order anything.

Which languages do you work in?

English, French and Spanish.

How we work

From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea. See also divorce in Spain by mutual agreement.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients for more than 30 years.

The lawyers who will handle your divorce

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling the family home? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meetIn person in Jávea, or remotely

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

Remotely, from homeMost of the preparation is done by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call. Where Spanish law requires you to confirm the agreement personally, we tell you from the start how and where it can be done in your case.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next stepWhat happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.