This article examines the extent to which ideology has shaped the family law of Spain, especially since the late nineteenth century. It shows that family law has usually been at the centre of ideological conflict in Spain, particularly during the period of the Second Republic (1931–6). Family law during the Franco period strongly reflected official ideology. However, although the transition to democracy following that period was accompanied by revolutionary changes in Spanish family law, these reforms did not generate significant political controvery. This article examines the reasons why this was so. It is suggested that they are to be found in social changes that had already begun to take place during the Franco period and also to internal and external political events. The result is that Spanish family law can now take its place in the mainstream of modern European law.