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Browse our 2 legal questions in Spain and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Do you have children custody? This can be done through the permission of the court. If he does not follow the court orders then he can be arrested.
Read full answerHiring a lawyer in Guía follows a simple sequence: find a lawyer with the right specialism, arrange an initial meeting, agree on the scope of work and fees, and sign a written engagement or power-of-attorney when representation is required. Many firms offer an initial consultation - sometimes free or at a reduced fee - to assess your case and explain options. For court proceedings you may also need a procurador - a court procedural representative - depending on the type of procedure and the court level. If you are not a Spanish resident or you prefer another language, check language availability and whether the lawyer can provide translation or work with a sworn translator.
People in Guía commonly seek legal help in the following situations:
- Property transactions and due diligence - buying, selling, title checks, registration at the Registro de la Propiedad, and resolving community-of-owners disputes (ley de propiedad horizontal).
- Family law - divorce, child custody, visitation, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, and inheritance and succession matters where Spanish forced heirship rules may apply.
- Employment disputes - unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, contracts, and social security claims.
- Consumer issues - faulty goods, service contracts, cancellations and warranty claims.
- Administrative and municipal matters - planning permissions, licences, sanctions and appeals against Ayuntamiento decisions.
- Criminal matters - police investigations, representation at hearings and appeals.
- Immigration - residency permits, NIE procedures, family reunification and appeals against administrative refusals.
- Business matters - company formation, contract drafting, tax advice and commercial disputes.
- Traffic and personal injury - accident claims, insurance negotiations and compensation procedures.
Spain uses a civil-law system governed by national codes and statutes. Key legal areas that commonly affect residents of Guía include:
- Civil Code and Civil Procedure - cover contracts, property, inheritance and civil litigation rules.
- Código Penal and criminal procedure law - govern crimes, penalties and criminal proceedings.
- Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos - important for residential and commercial tenancy issues.
- Ley de Propiedad Horizontal - regulates communities of owners and building management responsibilities.
- Administrative law and municipal ordinances - town halls (ayuntamientos) issue local ordinances and administrative decisions - appeals follow administrative procedure rules.
- Autonomous community rules - Spain is divided into autonomous communities with some regional laws and tax regimes. If Guía belongs to an island or a particular autonomous community, some specific regional rules may apply - for example taxation or tourism licensing.
- Statutes of limitation - known as prescripción and caducidad - vary by claim type and affect whether you can bring a legal action. Ask a lawyer to check deadlines.
- Court representation - in many civil and administrative proceedings a procurador is required to handle filings and receive notifications; lawyers manage legal strategy and court appearances.
Start with recommendations from people you trust, ask the local Ayuntamiento for guidance, consult the nearest Colegio de Abogados (bar association) for a list of members, and review lawyers practical specialisms. Arrange short interviews to compare experience, approach and fees.
Costs vary by firm, case complexity and procedure. Common billing models are hourly rates, fixed fees for defined tasks, or percentage-based fees in certain civil claims. Always ask for a written fee agreement (contrato de honorarios) that explains what is included, anticipated expenses and billing frequency.
Yes - Spain provides legal aid (asistencia jurídica gratuita) to eligible persons based on income, assets and the nature of the case. Applications are typically processed through the local Colegio de Abogados or court offices. Eligibility and scope vary, so check with the local bar or the court registry.
You can hire a lawyer from anywhere in Spain. A local lawyer may be more familiar with municipal procedures and local courts. If you are outside Spain, many lawyers accept remote instructions but you may need to sign a power-of-attorney and provide certified translations of documents.
Bring identity documents (DNI, NIE or passport), any contracts, court papers, correspondence, invoices, property deeds, and a clear timeline of events. If documents are not in Spanish, ask whether a sworn translation will be required.
A procurador acts as the procedural representative in court - filing documents and receiving official notifications. In many contested civil proceedings and appeals a procurador is required. Your lawyer will advise whether a procurador is necessary and arrange one if needed.
Duration depends on the type of matter, court backlog and whether the case settles. Administrative and simple civil matters may take months; contested civil litigation or appeals can take a year or more. Your lawyer should provide an estimated timeline and update you as the case progresses.
Some lawyers work in English and other languages. Ask during your first contact. If a lawyer does not speak your language you can use a sworn translator or interpreter for important meetings and to prepare documents for court.
Verify registration with the local Colegio de Abogados. You can also ask for references and check whether the lawyer has professional liability insurance. A reputable lawyer will provide their registration number and proof of cover on request.
Raise concerns directly with the lawyer for resolution. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the local Colegio de Abogados which handles professional conduct matters. For serious malpractice you may also seek redress through civil claims or report breaches to the relevant authorities.
Official governmental resources you may find useful:
- Ministerio de Justicia - general information on justice system, courts and legal aid:
- Poder Judicial - information about courts, procedures and judicial notices:
- Agencia Tributaria - tax guidance for individuals and businesses:
Also contact your local Ayuntamiento for municipal procedures and the nearest Colegio de Abogados for lists of local lawyers, information on the Turno de Oficio (legal aid roster) and professional guidance. If you are a foreign national, consult the relevant Oficina de Extranjería or consular services for immigration procedures. 1. Gather your documents and write a concise summary of your situation and desired outcome. 2. Contact several lawyers to discuss the case, compare specialism and fees, and ask about likely timelines. 3. Request a written engagement letter that sets out fees, scope of work, communication methods and exit terms. 4. If eligible and needed, apply for legal aid through the local Colegio de Abogados or the court registry. 5. Keep clear records of meetings, receipts and correspondence. If the lawyer needs authority to act, sign a written power-of-attorney and keep a copy. If you are unsure where to start, call the local Ayuntamiento or the nearest Colegio de Abogados and ask for guidance on lawyers who handle the area of law you need. Early legal advice often saves time and cost later on.Next Steps
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