Do You Need a Lawyer?

When Is a Lawyer Mandatory?

In Spain, legal assistance is mandatory in most court proceedings. However, there are important exceptions.

You don't need a lawyer for:

• Verbal proceedings under 2,000 euros
• Minor offense trials (minor crimes)
• Initial petition of payment order proceedings
• Consumer arbitration board claims
• Prior labor conciliation (SMAC)

You do need a lawyer for:

• Any civil proceeding over 2,000 euros
• Criminal proceedings (except minor offenses)
• Appeal and cassation appeals
• Administrative litigation proceedings
• Mortgage foreclosures

When is it recommended even if not mandatory?

• If the other party has a lawyer (procedural disadvantage)
• If the matter is complex even if low value
• If there's a risk of setting a precedent that affects you
• If you need to negotiate an out-of-court settlement

Free legal aid

If your income doesn't exceed twice the IPREM (approx. 1,200 euros/month in 2026), you can request a free court-appointed lawyer.