A judgment from outside Spain does not automatically attach to assets in Madrid or elsewhere. Recognition comes first—exequatur or EU regimes depending on origin—then enforcement. Common errors: poor translation, missing powers, or trying to enforce non-enforceable parts. This analysis covers routes, timing and defence when recognition is sought in Spain.
Prior recognition
EU cases often follow simplified circulation rules; others use exequatur with public-order and fairness checks.
Finality, valid service on the defendant and essential compatibility with Spanish law must be shown.
Sworn translation and apostilles depend on origin and channel.
Without recognition, attachment in Spain is not available.
Enforcement on Spanish assets
After recognition, enforce money judgments or property as the title allows.
Locate assets: accounts, attachable wages, registered property.
The debtor may oppose on limited grounds: res judicata, payment or recognition defects.
Coordinate Spanish enforcement with lawyers who litigated abroad.
Defending the respondent in Spain
Opposition on statutory grounds: no service, public order, serious inconsistency.
Generally not a rerun of the foreign trial on merits.
Opposition deadlines are strict; ignoring service closes the door later.
We defend recognition when the foreign ruling is defective or unfair.
Romania, EU and third states
Member-state judgments follow different rules from third-country titles.
Family, commercial and criminal titles have specific regimes.
Multi-country assets need coordinated strategy.
We work in Spanish, Romanian and English when the judgment is foreign and wealth is here.
Bring to first review
Full foreign judgment, proof of finality and service on the opponent.
Data on debtors or assets in Spain.
Opposition or recognition deadlines.
We map recognition, opposition or enforcement with a realistic calendar.