Best Child Support Lawyers in Hanover

About Child Support Law in Hanover, Germany

Child support (“Kindesunterhalt”) in Germany is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children, ensuring their basic needs are met, regardless of the parents’ marital status. In Hanover, as in the rest of Germany, child support is designed to guarantee that children receive adequate support for food, housing, education, and healthcare after parental separation or divorce. The Deutsche Unterhaltstabelle (Düsseldorfer Tabelle) provides standardized guidelines for calculating child support amounts based on the non-custodial parent’s income and the age of the child.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While some child support matters are straightforward, legal advice can be invaluable in many situations. Common reasons to seek advice from a child support lawyer include:

• Disputes over the amount of child support to be paid or received
• Difficulty in enforcing or collecting child support payments
• Changes in financial circumstances requiring adjustments to existing support agreements
• Uncertainty regarding paternity, especially if child support claims rely on paternity being established
• International cases, such as when one parent lives abroad
• Complex financial situations, including self-employment or fluctuating income
• Questions about rights and responsibilities when parental custody or residence changes
• Assistance with drafting and negotiating agreements to avoid future disputes

Local Laws Overview

Hanover, as part of Lower Saxony, adheres to Germany’s federal child support laws governed by the German Civil Code (“Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch” or BGB). Important points include:

• Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their child, based on their capacity.
• Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, who provides day-to-day care.
• The Düsseldorfer Tabelle serves as the accepted framework for determining payment amounts, considering parental income and child age.
• Children have a legal claim to support until completion of their education or vocational training, including university in some cases.
• Support can be adjusted if circumstances change—such as job loss, illness, or increased needs of the child.
• If no agreement can be reached, the family court (“Familiengericht”) in Hanover can issue legally binding orders.
• The Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) can assist with mediation, calculations, and enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to pay child support in Hanover, Germany?

Generally, after separation or divorce, the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside (non-custodial parent) must pay child support. Both biological and adoptive parents have this obligation.

How is the amount of child support determined?

The Düsseldorfer Tabelle is the standard guideline for calculating child support in Germany. It considers the non-custodial parent’s net monthly income and the child’s age. Special circumstances may lead to deviations.

Until what age does a child receive support?

Children are entitled to support until they reach adulthood (usually 18), but if they continue full-time education or vocational training, support may continue until completion—typically up to around age 25.

What happens if the paying parent doesn’t fulfill their support obligations?

If payments are missed, the Jugendamt and the family court can help enforce payment, including wage garnishment or other legal measures. There are also advance maintenance payments (“Unterhaltsvorschuss”) provided by the Jugendamt under certain conditions.

Can child support amounts be changed?

Yes. If there is a significant change in either parent’s income or the child’s needs, either parent can request a revision of the support amount by mutual agreement or through the family court.

What if the parent lives outside Germany?

International cases are handled through existing treaties and EU regulations. The Jugendamt and specialized lawyers can assist in cross-border enforcement and applications.

Is child support tax deductible?

Paying parents may claim parts of child support as a tax deduction under certain circumstances. However, the details depend on individual situations and current tax laws—consulting a tax advisor is recommended.

What can I do if the other parent refuses to pay?

You can apply for assistance at the Jugendamt, which may facilitate out-of-court agreements or enforce payment through the courts if necessary.

How do I prove my income for child support calculations?

Parents must submit proof of income such as payslips, tax returns, and details of any additional income or benefits. If a parent fails to provide this, the court may estimate an appropriate amount based on available information.

Can we make a private agreement instead of going to court?

Yes, parents can agree privately on support amounts, but such agreements should be in writing and ideally notarized for legal certainty. The Jugendamt can also assist in drafting official agreements without court involvement.

Additional Resources

If you need support or more information regarding child support in Hanover, the following organizations and offices can be helpful:

• Jugendamt Hannover (Youth Welfare Office): Offers free advice, mediation, and administrative assistance in child support cases.
• Familiengericht Hannover (Family Court): Handles legal proceedings related to child support disputes, enforcement, and agreement approvals.
• Deutscher Anwaltverein (German Bar Association): Provides directories for finding specialized family law or child support lawyers in the region.
• Caritas, AWO, and Diakonie: Non-profit organizations offering family counseling, legal guidance, and mediation services.
• Federal Child Support Portal (“Unterhaltsvorschusskasse”): Information about advance maintenance payments and applications.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance regarding child support in Hanover, consider the following steps:

• Contact the Jugendamt for initial advice, mediation, and calculation of support obligations. Their services are typically free of charge and confidential.
• If issues remain unresolved or are particularly complex, seek a consultation with a family law lawyer (“Fachanwalt für Familienrecht”), who can review your case, represent you in negotiations or court, and help draft enforceable agreements.
• Gather all relevant documentation, including your income statements, child’s needs, and any previous support agreements, to facilitate a thorough review by professionals.
• Remain proactive—if your circumstances change (job loss, income changes, new family arrangements), inform the relevant authorities and seek legal advice to adjust your support obligations promptly.
• If you are unsure where to begin, start with the Jugendamt or a local legal advice center for guidance tailored to your circumstances.