Starting April 3, 2025, Law 1/2025 brings a major change to legal procedures in Spain: the requirement to go through a MASC (Appropriate Dispute Resolution Method) before filing a lawsuit. This new legal step makes MASC essential for those seeking to resolve legal disputes efficiently, while avoiding unnecessary court proceedings.
What is a MASC and why is it mandatory in 2025?
A MASC (Appropriate Dispute Resolution Method) is a legal process that encourages parties to reach an agreement before going to court. According to the new law, this step is mandatory for most legal disputes. Without it, your lawsuit may not be accepted unless it meets specific exceptions.
MASC under Law 1/2025: What you need to know
With the enforcement of Law 1/2025, MASC becomes a required step before litigation. The regulation promotes peaceful resolution and mutual understanding. The lawsuit will only be admitted if there is proof that the parties have attempted a MASC first.
Who can lead a MASC?
Qualified professionals such as lawyers, mediators, psychologists, or experts can facilitate a MASC. They must certify that the parties genuinely tried to resolve the issue through dialogue. Without this certification, the court may reject the case.
Benefits of MASC in conflict resolution
MASC procedures offer numerous benefits: saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing emotional stress. They also allow for more flexible and personalized agreements than those typically granted by a judge.
How a MASC works before starting legal proceedings
Before going to court, both parties must meet with a certified professional who will guide the MASC process. This may involve joint sessions, conflict analysis, and solution proposals. If no agreement is reached, the professional must issue a certificate confirming the attempt was made.
A legal shift toward dialogue and understanding
This reform aims to reduce the burden on the court system and promote a culture of agreement. As the law itself states:
“Before entering the temple of Justice, you must go through the temple of Concord.”
When is a MASC not required?
There are a few exceptions when a MASC is not mandatory—for example, in urgent cases or when one party cannot participate for justified reasons. It’s always best to consult a professional to understand your specific situation.
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