Expert guidance on spousal maintenance child support from Tomas Ballestero Lawyers — with over 20 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate the Spanish legal system from our office in Jávea, Costa Blanca.
Understanding spousal maintenance and child support in Spain is critical for foreign nationals going through a divorce. Spanish law provides for two distinct concepts: pension compensatoria (spousal maintenance) and pension de alimentos (child support), each with different rules and calculations.
Spousal Maintenance (Pension Compensatoria)
Spanish spousal maintenance is designed to compensate the economically disadvantaged spouse. The court considers the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, professional qualifications and employability, dedication to family responsibilities, and the standard of living during the marriage. Unlike some countries, Spanish spousal maintenance can be temporary or permanent.
Child Support (Pension de Alimentos)
Child support in Spain covers not just food but all essential needs: housing, education, healthcare, clothing, and extracurricular activities. Key aspects include:
- Both parents contribute proportionally to their income
- The amount is set by the judge based on the children’s needs and parents’ means
- Support continues until economic independence (not just age 18)
- Extraordinary expenses (orthodontics, university) are typically shared 50/50
Enforcement Across Borders
EU regulations facilitate cross-border enforcement of maintenance orders. If one parent relocates to another EU country, maintenance obligations remain enforceable through mutual recognition. For non-EU countries, enforcement depends on bilateral agreements or the Hague Maintenance Convention.
Modification of Maintenance Orders
Maintenance can be modified if circumstances change substantially — job loss, new income, remarriage, or children reaching independence. The modification must be requested through the court.
Protect Your Financial Interests
Our firm advises on all aspects of maintenance and support in international divorce cases.
Contact us: +34 965 792 946 · info@lawyerssolicitorsjavea.com · Divorce lawyer Spain
Protecting your children’s wellbeing is our priority in every custody case. We work to achieve arrangements that provide stability and maintain strong relationships with both parents, while ensuring full compliance with Spanish family law requirements.
Our family lawyers have extensive experience handling complex international custody cases and are committed to achieving arrangements that serve the best interests of the children while respecting the rights of both parents.
Need guidance on divorce or family law matters in Spain? Contact our Divorce & Family Law for expert legal assistance on the Costa Blanca.
Expert Legal Assistance in Costa Blanca
Our law firm provides comprehensive legal services to international clients in Costa Blanca and throughout the Costa Blanca region. With over 30 years of experience, we understand the unique legal challenges that expatriates and property owners face in Spain.
From property transactions to inheritance matters, administrative procedures to dispute resolution, our multilingual team is ready to assist you with any legal matter. We pride ourselves on providing clear, practical advice tailored to your specific situation.
Get in Touch
Contact our office for a consultation about your legal needs. We offer expert guidance across all areas of Spanish law relevant to foreign residents and investors in the Costa Blanca area.
