What Is Alimony in Spain?
In Spain, alimony (pensión compensatoria) refers to financial support one spouse may be legally required to pay to the other after a divorce or legal separation.
This payment is not automatic. It must be:
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✅ Requested by one spouse
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✅ Justified by an economic imbalance caused by the separation
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✅ Approved by a judge in the divorce ruling
⚖️ Who Can Receive Alimony?
A judge may award alimony if:
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One spouse is financially dependent on the other
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The marriage resulted in economic inequality, such as one partner giving up a career to care for children
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The divorce would place one spouse at a significant disadvantage in maintaining their lifestyle
📌 Both men and women can request alimony.
💶 How Is Alimony Calculated in Spain?
Alimony in Spain is case-specific. Judges consider multiple factors:
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🧾 Duration of the marriage
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💼 Professional situation and earning capacity of both spouses
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👨👩👧👦 Contribution to the family (e.g., raising children, managing the home)
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🏡 Living standards during the marriage
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🧑⚕️ Health or special needs of the receiving spouse
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📉 Impact of the divorce on career prospects
There is no fixed percentage or formula. Amounts and durations vary based on your circumstances.
🔄 Types of Alimony Arrangements
Spain recognizes several formats for spousal support:
💰 Monthly Payments
The most common format—set by court order or mutual agreement. Payments are made until a specific date or condition (e.g., reemployment, remarriage).
💵 Lump-Sum Payment
In some cases, one spouse may opt to pay a single, upfront amount instead of monthly support. This often simplifies the separation process.
🚫 No Alimony
If both spouses are financially independent and no imbalance is proven, no alimony is granted.
🛑 When Does Alimony End?
Alimony in Spain typically ends when:
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The agreed-upon term expires
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The recipient remarries or enters a long-term partnership
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The recipient secures sufficient income
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One of the parties passes away
⚖️ Some court orders include clauses for review if financial conditions change.
👩💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Navigating divorce and spousal support in Spain can be legally and emotionally complex. Our team provides:
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🧑⚖️ Bilingual divorce lawyers specializing in family law
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📑 Assistance in calculating fair alimony
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🛡 Representation in contested divorces or court hearings
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✍️ Drafting of separation agreements and prenups
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⚖️ Post-divorce support for alimony adjustments or enforcement
🌐 International or Expat Divorce?
If you’re an expat or non-Spanish national divorcing in Spain, international family law rules may apply. This includes:
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Cross-border income and property
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Non-Spanish marriages
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Enforcement of alimony judgments in other countries
🗺️ Borderless Lawyers helps expats and international couples navigate complex jurisdiction and enforcement issues.
📞 Book a Confidential Consultation
Whether you’re negotiating alimony or defending against an unfair claim, we’re here to protect your rights with clarity, compassion, and legal precision.