Kontny Law Firm – your lawyer for trustworthy advice

Family law attorney in Cologne

Family law attorney

Family law affects everyone

Everyone lives in social circumstances that can sometimes be challenging. It is well known that difficulties can arise. A good example is the high divorce rate of around 40 percent in Germany.

Family – a fundamental right

In order to meet the demands of increasingly complex family relationships, family law is of crucial importance. This area of law is fundamentally protected by Article 6 Paragraph 1 of the Basic Law (GG). This emphasizes that marriage and family must be particularly protected by the state. The term marriage refers to the traditional model, which was expanded to include same-sex marriage by the Marriage Opening Act in 2017. Spouses have the freedom to enter into and structure the marriage according to their ideas, especially with regard to the property regime in which they want to live. Registered civil partnerships and non-marital partnerships do not fall within the scope of application of marriage law. These are subsumed under the broader concept of family. This also includes other relatives, especially children, regardless of whether they are biological or legal (e.g. through adoption or recognition of paternity). This also comes with parental rights. Parents have the right to raise their children, but also the duty to care for them. This gives rise to custody and access rights, decision-making rights in matters of upbringing and maintenance obligations. The well-being of the child has the highest priority in all areas.

Do you need support with questions about family law?

This is how we settle disputes within the family

Family law is in Civil Code (BGB) regulated in paragraphs §§ 1297-1921. This also applies to registered civil partnerships Civil Partnership Act (LPartG). Disputes in family law are governed by the Family Procedure Act (FamFG). The FamFG distinguishes between family and family disputes in sections 111 and 112 FamFG. Family matters concern violence protection matters, questions of parentage, adoption or other household and parenting issues. Family disputes include in particular property law, maintenance obligations and pension adjustment. Divorce proceedings in connection with the year of separation are part of matrimonial matters. According to Section § 12 of the Specialist Lawyers Act (FAO), family law also includes references to inheritance, corporate, social and tax law as well as family law procedural and cost law. Questions about the jointly managed company and the amount of maintenance claims are also relevant Düsseldorf table. Family courts, i.e. separate departments of the district courts, as well as the higher regional court in the following instance are responsible. These work closely with the local youth welfare offices.

Marriage – The optimal approach

Are you about to get married or are you already newly married? Do you want to consider a prenuptial agreement or prepare for a possible divorce? In such important phases of life, it is advantageous to consult legal expertise.

Statistically speaking, around 40% of marriages end in divorce, which often leads to disputes over maintenance claims and the equalization of gains. Even if you reach agreement in most areas, you shouldn't risk uncertainty when it comes to financial matters or your children. It is advisable to regulate these aspects legally correctly.

Our law firm, which specializes in family law, is at your side and will be happy to advise you on the drafting of marriage contracts or separation and divorce consequences agreements. It makes more sense to come to an agreement by mutual consent than to have to deal with a laborious divorce process later. It is crucial to seek professional support.

Whether you decide on advice or a prenuptial agreement – at AK Legal we are able to competently answer all your legal questions. This means you can enter your marriage worry-free and well prepared.

How can an amicable divorce go smoothly?

Do you want to have an amicable divorce? Do you have children or assets in common and would you therefore like to separate amicably? Would you like to get a comprehensive insight into how an amicable divorce can go smoothly?

During a time often filled with emotional distress, we strive to provide you with clarity and support. Divorces can only be decided in court divorce proceedings. The submission of a divorce application as well as proceedings regarding maintenance and pension adjustment are subject to the requirement of a lawyer. It is therefore important to us that you are professionally represented in a process. Our goal is your fair divorce. We accompany you from the year of separation to the divorce decision.

We specialize in showing you steps and strategies to make the process of an amicable divorce as smooth as possible. Transparent communication is key, and we support you in having open conversations with your partner to reach mutual agreements.

A smooth, amicable divorce is not an unrealistic goal. Let us explore together the paths that lead to a fair and harmonious solution for everyone involved. Book a consultation appointment directly online and begin your journey to a smooth, amicable divorce today.

Non-amicable divorce – what should I pay attention to?

We understand that this situation presents unique challenges and would like to provide you with supporting information. We are therefore committed to not only offering you legally sound advice, but also taking a sensitive look at your individual situation.

From legal requirements to emotional distress, we are at your side to guide you through this often complex process.

We work on the pulse of current case law.

Given the individual circumstances of each client, family law always requires an individual renegotiation. This is particularly clear in current cases such as the one before the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court (OLG), which recently decided on a family dispute regarding the vaccination of their child. The authority to decide whether a child should be vaccinated against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can be transferred to the parent who follows the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO), with particular consideration being given to the child's best interests.

The well-being of children is also strengthened by the recent decision of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH), according to which grandparents must make maintenance payments to their grandchildren. In the event of financial incapacity of the parents responsible for maintenance, grandparents can be called upon as direct relatives. However, it is important to emphasize that parents also have certain rights that must be enforced. In a recent ruling, the BGH made it clear that sperm donors, like other biological fathers, have a right of access to the children. Although the adoptive parents' parental and custody rights must be respected, they do not generally preclude contact with the donor.

Our law firm offers sound advice on all questions of family law. We understand the complexity of these matters and are here to help you clarify and protect your individual concerns.

My work for you

The questions you face can be complicated and lead to difficult and stressful situations. Children in particular often suffer from these circumstances. As a family law firm, we are here to help you. We take care of all family law matters and ensure that you get your rights. With legal support you can ease your situation and defend yourself in and out of court. Our services include:

Online services:

Request a video conference for the divorce hearing

Marriage:

Preparation of marriage contracts
Preparation of separation or divorce consequences agreements

Amicable divorce/separation:

Filing a divorce petition
Calculation of maintenance claims
Creation of maintenance agreements
Settlement of claims
Arrangement of custody rights
Settlement of real estate disputes

Non-amicable divorce:

Filing a divorce petition
Representation before the family court
Lawsuit for maintenance claims
Regulation of the equalization of gains
Custody/visit rights
Regulation of real estate and asset matters
Clarification of questions about pension equalization

Advice and representation in international divorce cases:

Recognition and enforcement of foreign family judgments
Support in cross-border custody matters
Advice on international marriage contracts
Clarification of questions about international maintenance claims

I support you with your legal matters

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How is the compensation for gains calculated?

If spouses live in the community of accrued property (i.e. if no marriage contract or other agreement has been made), the spouse with the larger accrued property is obliged to leave half of it to the other spouse. The initial and final assets of both partners are offset against each other. Half of the difference is awarded to the other spouse.

What is a legal guardian?

When the court is called upon to deal with a custody or access case, it appoints a so-called legal representative to deal with the case. This legal representative is there to help the court make a decision; the legal representative is, so to speak, the “child’s lawyer”.

Conversations and mediation
A legal guardian should contact not only the parents, but above all the children in order to find out their interests. As a rule, the procedural counsel gives information before the provide a comprehensive written statement at the court hearing.

Cooperation

Parents who are currently involved in visitation or custody proceedings should try to approach the legal guardian with a positive attitude.

What is meant by family matters and family disputes?

Family matters and family disputes are listed in Sections 111 and 112 of the FamFG. The following family matters are mentioned: marriage (divorce, annulment, nullity), childhood, parentage (contesting paternity, establishing paternity, declaration of parentage), adoption, protection against violence and marital home and household matters. Family disputes are a sub-case and include maintenance, property law and other family matters.

What does the legal property regime mean?

The property regime refers to the financial situation of the spouses. If the spouses have not made any other agreement, the legally regulated property regime of the community of gains applies. According to this regulation, both spouses manage their assets independently of each other.

How long does the year of separation last?

The separation year usually lasts 12 months. However, it can be shortened in certain cases of hardship, for example if living together is unreasonable for one of the partners or the other partner has behaved seriously incorrectly.

What are the tasks of the family court?

As a lawyer, I specialize in all legal matters relating to family. The family court is responsible for all family matters and family law disputes. It also decides on questions regarding the religious education of children or the business activities of minors.

What does the disruption principle mean?

A marriage can only be divorced if it is considered to have failed. After the year of separation has passed, it is assumed that the marriage has broken down. The breakdown principle has replaced the guilt principle, making the specific reasons for divorce irrelevant.

How is the maintenance claim calculated?

There are different forms of maintenance: child maintenance, separation maintenance and spousal maintenance. The calculation of maintenance is based on various criteria, such as net income, allowances, assets and the age of the child. The Düsseldorf table is usually used as a benchmark for child support.

Who gets custody after a divorce?

In principle, the parents retain joint custody after a divorce and must therefore reach an amicable agreement. The parent with whom the child is currently staying can decide on matters of daily life. If there is disagreement, the family court can give decision-making power to one parent. The top priority here is the well-being of the child.

Are marriages also possible for same-sex couples?

According to the Marriage Opening Act, civil partnerships outside the traditional model are also recognized as marriages.