Junta de Andalucia selects Mijas to be a reference for justice in Andalucia

Mijas is the first example of the new Municipal Justice Offices model in Malaga Province and the reference point for the entire region. This initiative replaces the traditional peace courts by more capable local facilities that offer expanded judicial service.

During a visit to Mijas on February 9, Justice Minister José Antonio Nieto met with Mayor Ana Mata to announce the decision. The upgraded office allows Mijas residents, who number more than 90,000. to take care of most judicial procedures on a local level, eliminating the necessity to travel to Fuengirola.

Mijas has it all: judicial certificates, civil registration, legal aid, and victim assistance.

Residents will be able to access services like obtaining judicial certifications, applying for legal assistance, registering civil cases, receiving victim support, participating in mediation in order to resolve disputes outside of court and even testifying in hearings via videoconference. Mijas has experienced rapid growth. The municipality represents 40% of the district and half the population.

In order to accommodate the new role, the regional administration has hired an additional procedural clerk, which brings the number of Junta officials to five. Further increases are expected as new capabilities are implemented. Mijas Town Hall has leased a new, larger space in the Las Lagunas area of the district. This was the former Acosol office. The space will have dedicated areas for videoconferencing sessions, mediation sessions and support for vulnerable victim.

By population, the third largest city in Malaga Province is Malaga.

Minister Nieto stated that the Junta’s collaboration with the Council is essential to deliver efficient and citizen-centered justice. Mayor Mata welcomed this recognition and said that Mijas – Malaga’s 3rd largest town by population and area – is evolving into a Costa del Sol major city. She said that the new judicial centre will make life easier for residents by improving access to essential services, establishing a central point in province, and bringing them closer. She expressed her gratitude to the Junta, for choosing Mijas as a launch location.

Nieto emphasized the goal of a closer, more accessible and sustainable justice system. He also highlighted ongoing efforts in Malaga to address the long-standing infrastructure deficits. This includes new court building in Estepona Marbella and Torrox as well expansions of Malaga’s City of Justice.