[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#032832″ background_image=”https:\/\/palomazabalgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HERO-regimenes-economicos.jpg” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”30px||30px||true|false” parallax_phone=”off” background_position_tablet=”top_center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”cedfac72-3741-4d99-b5fd-56fbe9f86638″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Legal counseling before marriage is key in terms of marriage property as well as in terms of other measures that the couple wishes to agree upon, such as the other’s spouse to a pension.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_contact_form captcha=”off” email=”administracion@palomazabalgo.com” title=”Contact us” custom_message=”Nombre: %%nombre%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||Email: %%email%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||\u00bfC\u00f3mo nos ha conocido?: %%canal%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||S\u00cd %%privacidad%% Pol\u00edtica de Privacidad||et_pb_line_break_holder||————————————————————————||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||Mensaje: ||et_pb_line_break_holder||%%mensaje%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||” use_redirect=”on” redirect_url=”\/form-submitted\/” success_message=”Form Submitted” submit_button_text=”Submit” module_id=”et_pb_contact_form_1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” _unique_id=”38f66225-2760-4e10-b788-a9df62d95359″ form_field_background_color=”#F2F8F8″ form_field_text_color=”#032832″ form_field_focus_background_color=”#FFFFFF” form_field_focus_text_color=”#032832″ title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#57D1D1″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_stops=”#007380 0%|#032832 100%” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”100px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|25px|10px|25px|true|true” transform_translate_linked=”off” custom_css_main_element=”border-radius: 20px !important;||overflow: hidden;||padding: 40px !important;||box-shadow: 0px 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color_gradient_stops__hover=”#032832 0%|#007380 100%” button_bg_use_color_gradient__hover=”on” global_module=”348952″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Nombre” field_title=”Name” fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” 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button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Mensaje” field_title=”Message” field_type=”text” fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Canal” field_title=”How did you hear about us?” field_type=”select” select_options=”%91{%22value%22:%22Google%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:-1},{%22value%22:%22Social Media%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:0},{%22value%22:%22Press%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:1},{%22value%22:%22Friend \/ Family member%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:2},{%22value%22:%22Others%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:3}%93″ fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Privacidad” field_title=” ” field_type=”checkbox” checkbox_options=”%91{%22value%22:%22I have read and agree to the %22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:-1,%22link_url%22:%22\/en\/privacy-policy\/%22,%22link_text%22:%22Privacy Policy%22}%93″ fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_font_size=”12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][\/et_pb_contact_form][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(87,209,209,0.1)” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”%224_4%22″ make_equal=”%22on%22″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_column type=”%224_4%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ custom_css_main_element=”font-size: 12px;” locked=”%22off%22″ global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″]Zabalgo Abogados<\/a><\/span><\/span>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”%22Secci\u00f3n%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”41d5ff63-8269-4804-bc6b-06a5fd9c48b4″ header_3_text_color=”#222525″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Getting married is not only an emotional commitment, but also a legal one. Many couples are unaware that marriage automatically creates an economic regime<\/strong> that will determine how property and assets are managed during the marriage and divided in case of divorce or inheritance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”183a4314-7f30-4731-97fb-eae1c24275fc” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palomazabalgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MATRIMONIO-2.jpg” alt=”Legal advice before marriage in Spain” title_text=”MATRIMONIO-2″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”%22center%22″ align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”%22default%22″ max_height=”%22512px%22″ animation_direction=”left” global_colors_info=”%22{}%22″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullet-check” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”0a561b31-904e-417b-ad05-8103a1e85941″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To understand the default matrimonial property regime in Spain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n To decide whether to sign a marriage contract<\/strong> or prenuptial agreement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n To protect personal or family assets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n To avoid future conflicts by setting clear financial rules.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”183a4314-7f30-4731-97fb-eae1c24275fc” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ideally before the wedding, so that the chosen property regime is clear from the beginning. However, it is also possible to sign an agreement later, during the marriage.<\/p>\n In cross-border marriages, you can often choose the law of your nationality or residence to govern the marriage. This is essential when assets are located in different countries, or when one spouse is not Spanish.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/palomazabalgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/asesioramiento-matrimonio.jpg” alt=”Couple receiving legal advice before marriage” title_text=”asesioramiento-matrimonio” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#032832″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”135deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#000000 0%|#032832 50%|#007380 100%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”183a4314-7f30-4731-97fb-eae1c24275fc” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”cedfac72-3741-4d99-b5fd-56fbe9f86638″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At Zabalgo Family Lawyers, we provide clear and practical legal guidance before marriage. We explain your options, prepare and formalize agreements before a notary, and ensure your interests are protected from day one.<\/p>\n We can help you \u2014 contact us today<\/strong><\/p>\n For international couples, the questions that arise before marriage are rarely just about property. They are about which country’s law will apply to the marriage in the first place.<\/p>\n Since 29 January 2019, Regulation (EU) 2016\/1103<\/strong> determines the law applicable to matrimonial property regimes for couples marrying from that date. Where the spouses have not chosen, the default is the law of their first common habitual residence after the marriage; failing that, their common nationality; and failing that, the State with which they are most closely connected.<\/p>\n Two limits are worth knowing. The Regulation applies only in the eighteen Member States<\/strong> taking part in the enhanced cooperation: it does not apply in Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia or the Baltic States, and of course not in the United Kingdom. Where one of those countries is involved, the answer comes from Spanish private international law instead.<\/p>\n The Regulation does, however, allow the spouses to choose the applicable law by agreement, and that choice must be made in the form required for marriage contracts. For an international couple, this is usually the single most valuable clause available to them.<\/p>\n Clients from common law countries often ask whether their prenuptial agreement will be valid in Spain. The answer requires a distinction.<\/p>\n Agreements dealing with the matrimonial property regime<\/strong> are fully recognised in Spain, provided they are executed as capitulaciones matrimoniales<\/em> in a public deed before a notary, as required by article 1327 of the Civil Code<\/a>. Unlike a prenuptial agreement in the strict sense, they may be granted before or at any point during the marriage.<\/p>\n Agreements purporting to fix in advance matters concerning children<\/strong> \u2014 custody, maintenance, contact \u2014 have no binding effect. Those questions are always decided by reference to the best interests of the child at the time the decision is taken, and no agreement between the parents can displace that.<\/p>\n Clauses waiving future spousal maintenance occupy an intermediate position, and their validity depends on the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n If you are considering a marriage contract, see our page on marriage contracts in Spain<\/a> and on the matrimonial property regimes<\/a> that Spanish law provides.<\/p>\n Marrying in Spain as a foreign national involves a preliminary file before the Civil Registry or a notary. In practice you will need a full birth certificate, a certificate of no impediment or equivalent, proof of civil status, and evidence of residence. Documents issued abroad generally require the Hague Apostille<\/strong> and a sworn translation into Spanish.<\/p>\n Timescales vary considerably depending on the registry and the country of origin, and gathering the documentation is usually the slowest part of the process. It is worth starting several months in advance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_contact_form captcha=”off” email=”administracion@palomazabalgo.com” title=”Contact us” custom_message=”Nombre: %%nombre%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||Email: %%email%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||\u00bfC\u00f3mo nos ha conocido?: %%canal%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||S\u00cd %%privacidad%% Pol\u00edtica de Privacidad||et_pb_line_break_holder||————————————————————————||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||Mensaje: ||et_pb_line_break_holder||%%mensaje%%||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||||et_pb_line_break_holder||” use_redirect=”on” redirect_url=”\/form-submitted\/” success_message=”Form Submitted” submit_button_text=”Submit” module_id=”et_pb_contact_form_1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” 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button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Mensaje” field_title=”Message” field_type=”text” fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Canal” field_title=”How did you hear about us?” field_type=”select” select_options=”%91{%22value%22:%22Google%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:-1},{%22value%22:%22Social Media%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:0},{%22value%22:%22Press%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:1},{%22value%22:%22Friend \/ Family member%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:2},{%22value%22:%22Others%22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:3}%93″ fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=”Privacidad” field_title=” ” field_type=”checkbox” checkbox_options=”%91{%22value%22:%22I have read and agree to the %22,%22checked%22:0,%22dragID%22:-1,%22link_url%22:%22\/en\/privacy-policy\/%22,%22link_text%22:%22Privacy Policy%22}%93″ fullwidth_field=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_font_size=”12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_contact_field][\/et_pb_contact_form][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why seek legal advice before marriage?<\/h2>\n
\n
When should you do it?<\/h2>\n
International couples<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
How can we help you?<\/h2>\n
Marrying in Spain when one of you is not Spanish<\/h2>\n
Prenuptial agreements: what Spanish law does and does not recognise<\/h2>\n
Documents required for a foreign national marrying in Spain<\/h2>\n