Court Dates in the Balearic Islands Drag On: Plaintiffs Often Wait Years

The administrative courts in the Balearic Islands take considerably longer than the Spanish average — for plaintiffs, it becomes a test of patience.

When Lawsuits Become a Test of Patience

Whoever sues on Mallorca should bring a lot of time. That's no exaggeration when you look at the numbers: Administrative procedures on the Balearics take on average more than a year and a half – and if an appeal is added, cases can accumulate to more than three and a half years. For those affected, that means years of uncertainty; for lawyers, a constant follow-up; and for the courts, a growing mountain of files.

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Where does the delay come from?

On site, you often hear the same explanations: staff shortages, many temporary positions and a backlog of old cases that grew further during the pandemic. In Palmas districts around Avenida Jaime III or Parc de la Mar hardly anyone knows the navigation through the courtrooms anymore — and the vacant judge positions remain unfilled for too long. Instead, temporary workers and temporary staff fill many gaps, which is not a permanent solution.

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For plaintiffs this is fatal: not only because decisions take long to come, but because evidence is outdated, witnesses harder to locate, or government records harder to reconstruct. A case that starts today can look very different in three years — without the plaintiff being to blame.

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Everyday life in the courtrooms

I recently visited—not far from the courthouse—and spoke with a small businesswoman who has been waiting for an appointment for months. \"I have invoices that need to be paid, and I can't wait forever,\" she said. You hear such voices in the hallway just as in cafés in the old town, where lawyers chat briefly over a quick coffee: frustration and bewilderment are close at hand.

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The authorities point to reform plans and occasional new hires. But to really change something, experts say, you need stable positions, better digital case management, and clear prioritization of particularly urgent cases — such as social cases or construction projects with high public interest.

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What does this mean for the island?

Protracted proceedings not only burden those affected; they also impact businesses and investments. While people discuss possible solutions in cafés, for many the reality remains: a longer path to legal clarity. It remains to be hoped that reports and numbers finally lead to tangible measures — and not just more months of waiting.

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If you are affected: keep a record of every correspondence, secure evidence promptly, and discuss possible interim solutions with your legal representation. Patience is now a small price on the Balearics — but not a good substitute for a functioning judiciary.