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In Germany, including Cologne, both parents are legally obliged to support their child financially until the child can provide for themselves, often until the end of their first professional qualification. When parents live apart, the parent with whom the child does not live must pay child support. The amount of child support typically depends on the income of the parent paying support and the age of the child.
Child support law can be complicated, particularly when it comes to calculating the appropriate amount of support, adjusting support payments, or enforcing support orders. Legal assistance can be invaluable if you're faced with any of these issues. Also, if you're trying to establish paternity or navigate the child support system as a non-German speaker, a lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Child support laws in Cologne follow the 'Düsseldorfer Tabelle' which is a nationwide guideline for calculating child support based on the parent's income and child's age. The law also stipulates a minimum support (Minimumunterhalt) that is adjusted every two years. The minimum support is currently set at €357 per month for children up to 5 years, €418 for children between 6 and 11 years, €497 for children between 12 and 17 years, and €527 for children from 18 years onwards.
Child support is determined based on the paying parent's income and the age of the child, following the guidelines of the Düsseldorfer Tabelle.
Both parents must support their child until they can provide for themselves, often until the end of their first professional qualification. This could potentially extend beyond the age of 18 if the child is still in education.
Yes, child support can be adjusted in cases where the circumstances of either parent or the child have changed significantly. This includes changes in income, for instance.
If a parent fails to pay the ordered amount, the other parent can take legal actions to enforce the child support order. This might include wage garnishment or seizure of property.
Yes, irrespective of citizenship, any parent living in Germany is legally obliged to pay child support for their children living in Germany.
For further legal advice and support, here are some resources:
If you believe you need legal assistance in a child support matter, the first step is to contact an attorney. They can help explain the laws as they apply to your situation, guide you through the necessary processes, and represent you in court if necessary. If you need financial assistance to obtain legal representation, you may qualify for legal aid.
