Separation changes how a family is organised. Children need those new arrangements to be clear.

When a couple with children separates, it is necessary to establish how family life will continue.

Where the children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, who will make important decisions and how their expenses will be shared are matters that need to be regulated.

Child Custody

Child custody primarily concerns the day-to-day care of the children.

Joint custody may be established, or custody may be awarded primarily to one parent, with arrangements for the children to spend time and communicate with the other parent.

The appropriate arrangement must be assessed in light of each family's specific circumstances.

Parental Responsibility

Parental responsibility covers important decisions concerning the children.

Schooling, medical treatment, changes of residence, international travel and other significant decisions may require the involvement of both parents.

Disputes over these decisions may need to be resolved by the court.

Joint Custody

Joint custody does not necessarily mean that the children must spend exactly the same number of days with each parent.

There are different ways to organise joint custody. Factors such as work schedules, the distance between the parents' homes, the children's ages, their school routines and both parents' ability to manage their day-to-day care must be considered.

Contact and Visitation Arrangements

Contact arrangements should be sufficiently clear to help prevent future disputes.

They may cover schedules, pick-ups and drop-offs, school holidays, Christmas, Easter, summer holidays, birthdays and other important dates.

It may also be necessary to tailor the arrangements to each family's specific circumstances.

Sole Custody

When the children primarily live with one parent, it is necessary to establish how their relationship with the other parent will be organised.

The arrangements may include weekends, weekdays, school holidays, public holidays and communication.

Child Maintenance

Children are entitled to financial support from their parents.

Each parent's financial contribution must be determined by taking into account the children's needs and both parents' financial circumstances.

Do You Need to Establish or Modify Child Custody Arrangements?

If you are separating or your current arrangements are no longer working, I can assess your situation and explain the available options.

Laura Rincón · Family Lawyer in Madrid

In-person appointments in Madrid and online consultations.