family

Mandatory mediation: a new stage in contested divorces in SpainAs of April 2025, contested divorces in Spain require, as a prior step, participation in a mandatory mediation process, as provided for in Organic Law 1/2025. This reform seeks to reduce the courts’ workload, encourage more tailored agreements, and lower the emotional and financial cost of separation proceedings. The new framework requires the parties to attend, at a minimum, an initial information session with an accredited mediator before initiating court proceedings.In this post, we explain what this reform entails, its legal exceptions (such as in cases of gender-based violence or urgent situations), and how it may affect your divorce process. We also analyse how In Diem Abogados can assist you before, during and after mediation: from preliminary advice to validating agreements or, if necessary, representation in court litigation.A clear guide to understanding this new legal requirement and how to approach it with legal and human safeguards