Civil Law and Private Dispute Resolution

We protect your rights, assets and interests in Spain. From drafting watertight contracts to representing you in civil courts.

Legal Protection for Individuals and Businesses

Civil law forms the basis of everyday life in Spain. It governs your contracts, your family relationships and your liability towards third parties.

In a globalised world, a civil dispute can quickly escalate if it is not managed with the right strategy. At Legal Excellens, we prioritise out-of-court settlement to save you time and money, but we have a strong litigation team on hand should it be necessary to go to court.

Whether you need to recover a debt, review an international contract or manage a complex inheritance, we speak your language and defend your interests.

Our Civil Practice Areas

Contracts and Obligations

Prevention is better than cure. We draft and review:

  • Civil and Commercial Contracts: Sales, leases, provision of services.
  • Review of Contractual Terms: Identification of unfair terms or hidden risks.
  • Breaches of Contract: Claims for damages or enforcement proceedings.
  • Termination of Contracts: The secure conclusion of legal relationships.

Civil Liability and Debts

Active protection of your assets against non-payment or damage.

  • Debt Recovery: Management of unpaid debts, payment orders and bills of exchange.
  • Civil Liability (Non-contractual): Compensation for accidents, professional negligence or damage to property.
  • Hidden Defects: Claims for defects in the sale of goods or property.

Family and Inheritance Law

Sensitive handling of personal matters with an international focus.

  • International Inheritance: Wills, declarations of heirs and the distribution of assets across multiple countries.
  • Divorce and Separation: Settlement Agreements and Division of Joint Property.
  • Enforcement of Foreign Judgments: Exequatur Procedures in Spain.

Why entrust your civil case to Legal Excellens?

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Cross-border litigation

We are not an administrative agency. We are litigation lawyers. If your opponent is based abroad or the contract was signed under a different jurisdiction, we know how to apply private international law to defend you in the Spanish courts.

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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

A good settlement is often better than a good trial. We exhaust all avenues of negotiation and mediation to achieve swift results and avoid legal uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions about Civil Law

Can I claim a debt in Spain if I don’t have a signed contract?

Yes, it is possible. Although a written contract is the ideal form of evidence, under Spanish civil law other forms of evidence are also admissible, such as emails, WhatsApp messages, invoices or delivery notes. We will review your documentation to assess the feasibility of the order for payment procedure.

What is the legal validity of a foreign divorce decree in Spain?

For a judgment handed down outside the EU to have legal effect in Spain (for example, to amend civil registry records or settle assets), it is necessary to initiate a procedure known as exequatur. We take care of having that judgment recognised by the Spanish courts.

I’ve bought a property and it has hidden defects – what can I do?

The Civil Code protects buyers against ‘hidden defects’. There is a very short time limit (generally six months from delivery for civil claims, or different time limits under the Building Regulations Act) for bringing a claim. It is vital to contact a solicitor immediately to stop the limitation period from running out.

We defend your civil interests with diligence

If you find yourself facing a breach of contract or a legal dispute, doing nothing is your worst enemy. Seek expert advice straight away.

Consult a civil lawyer