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Strategic Legal Representation for Civil, Commercial and Criminal Disputes
Are you involved in a legal dispute in Spain? Do you need a lawyer to represent you in Spanish courts? Are you facing a contract breach, property conflict, or business dispute?
At Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, we provide effective and cost-conscious litigation and dispute resolution services for individuals and businesses facing legal disputes in Spain. With over 30 years of experience, our team represents international and local clients in civil, commercial and criminal litigation, always focused on achieving practical and efficient outcomes.
Whenever possible, we seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). When court action is required, we offer strong and strategic representation before courts and tribunals throughout Spain.
Contact us: +34 965 792 946 | +34 607 320 768 (WhatsApp)
Commercial Litigation
Legal representation in commercial and corporate disputes, protecting your business interests.
- Shareholder and director disputes
- Partnership dissolution
- Breach of commercial contracts
- Confidentiality and non-compete violations
- Supplier and distributor disputes
Property and Construction Litigation
We act in disputes involving property transactions, construction defects, delays, planning issues and zoning matters.
- Construction defect claims
- Developer disputes and off-plan failures
- Property transaction disputes
- Planning and licensing challenges
- Boundary and access disputes
Trust, Will and Estate Litigation
We assist clients in disputes concerning inheritances, wills, trusts and estate administration.
- Will contests and validity challenges
- Forced heirship claims
- Executor and administrator disputes
- Beneficiary conflicts
- Trust disputes
Insolvency and Bankruptcy
We advise and represent creditors and interested parties in insolvency and liquidation proceedings.
- Creditor representation
- Debt recovery in insolvency
- Director liability claims
- Fraudulent transfer challenges
- Business restructuring disputes
Injunctions and Urgent Measures
We handle urgent court applications to protect your interests immediately.
- Asset freezing orders
- Injunctions to prevent harmful actions
- Emergency protective measures
- Preservation of evidence orders
Criminal Litigation (Business-Related)
Defence and representation in criminal proceedings linked to commercial disputes.
- Fraud defence (estafa)
- White-collar crime
- Corporate criminal liability
- Director and officer defence
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Where appropriate, we resolve disputes through mediation, negotiation or arbitration.
- Mediation facilitation
- Settlement negotiation
- Arbitration representation
- ADR clause drafting and advice
Appeals and Enforcement
We handle appeals against unfavourable decisions and enforcement when the other party fails to comply.
- Appeals to Audiencia Provincial
- Supreme Court appeals (in qualifying cases)
- Judgment enforcement
- Asset investigation and recovery
- Cross-border enforcement (EU)
Why Choose Tomas Ballestero Lawyers?
| What We Offer | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| 30+ years litigation experience | Deep knowledge of Spanish courts and procedures |
| Strategic approach | We focus on results, not unnecessary conflict |
| Cost-conscious service | Clear fees; we explore settlement before expensive trials |
| English-speaking lawyers | Clear communication throughout your case |
| International client specialists | Experience with cross-border disputes |
| ADR expertise | We resolve disputes efficiently when possible |
| Full court representation | Strong advocacy when litigation is necessary |
| 72+ five-star reviews | Trusted by clients across Costa Blanca |
The Litigation Process in Spain
Stage 1: Case Assessment
We review your situation, assess the merits of your case, and advise on the best strategy — whether negotiation, ADR, or court proceedings.
Stage 2: Pre-Action Steps
Before court, we typically send formal demands and attempt negotiation. This often resolves disputes without litigation.
Stage 3: Filing the Claim (Demanda)
If litigation is necessary, we prepare and file your claim with the appropriate court, setting out your case and the remedies sought.
Stage 4: Defence and Response
The defendant has a period to respond. We analyse their defence and prepare our strategy for the next stages.
Stage 5: Evidence Phase (Prueba)
Both parties present evidence — documents, witnesses, expert reports. We ensure your case is fully supported.
Stage 6: Trial Hearing (Vista)
Oral arguments are presented before the judge. We advocate strongly for your position.
Stage 7: Judgment (Sentencia)
The court issues its decision. If favourable, we proceed to enforcement. If not, we advise on appeal options.
Stage 8: Enforcement
If the other party does not comply voluntarily, we take enforcement action to recover money or compel compliance.
Spanish Litigation — Key Facts
How long does litigation take in Spain?
First instance civil claims typically take 12-24 months. Complex commercial cases may take longer. Urgent applications (injunctions) can be resolved in days or weeks.
What does litigation cost?
Costs depend on complexity and claim value. We provide clear fee estimates before you commit. Court fees in Spain are generally lower than in the UK or US.
Can I recover my legal costs if I win?
Generally, yes. Spanish courts typically order the losing party to pay the winner’s costs (costas), though the amount may not cover 100% of actual fees.
What if the defendant has no assets?
We investigate assets before recommending litigation. If the defendant cannot pay, we advise whether proceeding is worthwhile or if alternative strategies exist.
Can I litigate in Spain if I live abroad?
Yes. We can handle your entire case using power of attorney. You may need to attend for specific hearings, but we minimise this requirement.
Is mediation compulsory in Spain?
Not generally compulsory, but courts encourage it and may penalise parties who unreasonably refuse to mediate. We advise when mediation is appropriate.
Can Spanish judgments be enforced in other EU countries?
Yes. Under EU regulations, Spanish judgments can be enforced across the EU relatively easily. We assist with cross-border enforcement.
What if I have a dispute with a Spanish public authority?
Administrative disputes follow different procedures (contencioso-administrativo). We advise on challenges to planning decisions, tax assessments, and other administrative matters.
Areas We Cover
We provide litigation and dispute resolution services throughout Costa Blanca and Valencia:
Costa Blanca North:
- Jávea / Xàbia
- Dénia
- Moraira
- Benissa
- Altea
- Santa Pola
Valencia Region:
- Valencia city
- Gandía
- Oliva
We represent clients before courts throughout Spain when required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a litigation lawyer in Spain?
As soon as an out-of-court negotiation stalls, a demand letter arrives, or a deadline (typically 1 year for tort, 5 years for contract, 4 years for consumer claims) is approaching. Early advice often prevents full litigation.
How long does a civil lawsuit take in Valencia or Alicante province?
First-instance proceedings typically run 12–24 months. Appeals to the Audiencia Provincial add another 8–14 months. Fast-track procedures (juicio verbal, monitorio) can resolve in 4–8 months.
What happens if my dispute involves parties in France or another EU country?
Under Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 (Bruxelles I bis), judgments move freely within the EU. We handle cross-border contractual and commercial disputes, and coordinate with French counsel when needed — nous plaidons vos intérêts en Espagne en liaison avec votre avocat français.
Can your firm enforce a foreign judgment or arbitral award in Spain?
Yes. EU judgments are enforced directly under Brussels I bis. Non-EU judgments require exequatur. Foreign arbitral awards are enforced under the New York Convention 1958. We have handled enforcement proceedings on both the Costa Blanca and Valencia.
What is a juicio monitorio and when is it the right tool for debt recovery?
It is a fast-track monetary claim for clear, documented debts — invoices, rentals, service fees. If the debtor does not oppose within 20 days, you obtain an enforceable title. Often the most efficient route for undisputed debts up to €250,000.
Contact Us
Are you involved in a legal dispute in Spain? Do you need experienced litigation lawyers to protect your interests?
Contact our team today for an initial assessment of your case.
Telephone
+34 965 792 946
+34 607 320 768
Our Offices
Jávea (Head Office) Avenida del Pla, 126, 2nd Floor Offices 28 A and 28 B 03730 Xàbia/Jávea
Valencia Calle Burriana, 34, 1st Floor Valencia
Opening Hours
Office: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 20:00 Telephone Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers — Over 30 years of litigation experience in Spanish courts
🇫🇷 Avocats en Contentieux et Résolution des Litiges en Espagne
Représentation Juridique Stratégique en Matière Civile, Commerciale et Pénale
Vous êtes impliqué dans un litige en Espagne ? Vous avez besoin d’un avocat pour vous représenter devant les tribunaux espagnols ?
Chez Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, nous proposons des services efficaces et pragmatiques en contentieux et résolution des litiges. Forts de plus de 30 ans d’expérience, nous représentons des clients internationaux et locaux dans des procédures civiles, commerciales et pénales.
Contactez-nous : +34 965 792 946 | +34 607 320 768 (WhatsApp)
Exemples de Situations que Nous Traitons
Exemple 1 : Acheteur Français — Litige avec un Promoteur Un couple français a acheté un appartement sur plan à Dénia. Le promoteur n’a pas respecté les délais et les finitions étaient très différentes de ce qui avait été promis.
Notre Approche : Nous avons engagé une procédure judiciaire et obtenu le remboursement intégral du dépôt plus intérêts et dommages-intérêts. Récupération totale : 95 000 €.
Exemple 2 : Associés Belges — Conflit Commercial Deux associés belges exploitaient un restaurant à Jávea. Leur relation s’est détériorée et l’un a tenté d’exclure l’autre et de transférer des actifs.
Notre Approche : Nous avons obtenu une injonction d’urgence gelant les comptes. Puis nous avons négocié un rachat équitable. Notre client a reçu 180 000 €.
Exemple 3 : Propriétaire Suisse — Défauts de Construction Une famille suisse a construit une villa près de Moraira et découvert des défauts structurels graves après la livraison.
Notre Approche : Nous avons engagé des experts indépendants et poursuivi le constructeur et son assurance. Règlement obtenu : 120 000 €.
Nos Services
- Contentieux civil — Rupture de contrat, litiges immobiliers, conflits de voisinage
- Contentieux commercial — Conflits entre actionnaires, litiges contractuels
- Contentieux immobilier — Défauts de construction, litiges promoteurs
- Litiges successoraux — Contestation de testaments, conflits entre héritiers
- Insolvabilité — Représentation des créanciers
- Mesures d’urgence — Injonctions, saisies conservatoires
- Contentieux pénal des affaires — Fraude, criminalité économique
- Modes alternatifs — Médiation, négociation, arbitrage
Pourquoi Choisir Tomas Ballestero Lawyers ?
| Ce Que Nous Offrons | Ce Que Cela Signifie Pour Vous |
|---|---|
| Plus de 30 ans d’expérience | Connaissance approfondie des tribunaux espagnols |
| Approche stratégique | Focus sur les résultats, pas sur les conflits inutiles |
| Avocats francophones | Communication claire tout au long de votre dossier |
| Expertise ADR | Résolution efficace quand c’est possible |
| Représentation complète | Défense solide quand le procès est nécessaire |
| 72+ avis 5 étoiles | Cabinet de confiance sur la Costa Blanca |
Contactez-Nous
Téléphone : +34 965 792 946 WhatsApp : +34 607 320 768 Email : [email protected]
Bureaux : Jávea, Dénia, Costa Blanca et Valencia
Related Legal Services
Many of our litigation cases involve real estate. Our construction and property dispute specialists handle claims for structural defects, boundary disputes and breach of contract.
If a civil dispute escalates to criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
Contested divorce proceedings require strong courtroom representation. Our divorce and family law team will advocate for your interests in custody, maintenance and property matters.
If you have suffered harm through negligence, our personal injury lawyers will pursue compensation on your behalf through Spanish civil courts.
Our lawyers in Javea combine local expertise with international experience to deliver effective dispute resolution for foreign nationals in Spain.
