Best Child Support Lawyers in Kelheim

About Child Support Law in Kelheim, Germany

Child support, known as "Kindesunterhalt" in German, is a legal requirement intended to ensure that children continue to receive financial care from both parents, even if they are separated or divorced. In Kelheim, as elsewhere in Germany, the law mandates that parents—regardless of their relationship status—are responsible for supporting their children financially. The intention is to provide for the child’s needs, such as food, clothing, education, health care, and housing. Germany’s child support system is governed by federal law, supplemented by local courts and Jugendämter (youth welfare offices) to ensure proper enforcement and mediation when disputes arise.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal situations involving child support can be emotionally and financially complex. People may need a lawyer for many reasons, including:

• Difficulty agreeing on the appropriate amount of child support.
• Concerns about the accurate calculation of income for support purposes.
• Enforcement issues, such as unpaid or overdue support payments.
• Modifications to existing child support agreements after a change in circumstances (e.g., job loss, increased needs of the child).
• International aspects where one parent resides abroad.
• Concerns relating to additional costs such as school fees or special medical care.
• Disagreements over the child’s primary residence or custody arrangements affecting child support.
• Complex family structures, such as stepchildren or multiple children from different relationships.

Local Laws Overview

Child support in Kelheim is governed primarily by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), Germany’s Civil Code. Local application follows national guidelines, fine-tuned by agreements and enforcement through the local courts (“Familiengericht”) and the Jugendamt. Noteworthy aspects include:

• The Düsseldorfer Tabelle, a guideline for determining the amount of child support based on the paying parent's income and the number of children.
• Both parents have an obligation to financially support their child; the parent with whom the child primarily lives usually fulfills this by caring for the child, while the other provides monetary support.
• Non-cash support usually starts after the parents have separated or divorced.
• The Jugendamt can act as a mediator and can also certify formal support agreements ("Beurkundung").
• Child support is enforceable by law, and failure to pay can result in wage garnishments or other measures.
• Adjustments in support amounts can be sought if there’s a material change in income or expenses.
• Parents may be entitled to a minimal "Selbstbehalt" (self-retention amount) to cover their basic living expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Düsseldorf Table and how does it affect child support amounts?

The Düsseldorf Table (“Düsseldorfer Tabelle”) is a guideline widely used in Germany to calculate child support based on the net income of the paying parent and the number/ages of children. Although not legally binding, it is recognized by courts and Jugendämter across the country, including Kelheim.

Can child support agreements be arranged without going to court?

Yes, parents can reach an agreement on child support privately or with the help of the Jugendamt, which can formalize the agreement. However, if no agreement is possible, the court can decide.

What happens if one parent refuses to pay child support?

If a parent does not pay court-ordered or agreed child support, enforcement actions—such as wage garnishment or judicial orders—can be initiated through the court or the Jugendamt.

How does custody affect child support obligations?

The parent with whom the child primarily lives provides support through care. The other parent must typically provide monetary support according to their means.

Is it possible to modify the amount of child support?

Yes. If there is a significant change in financial circumstances (for example, unemployment, salary increase, or increased needs of the child), a modification can be requested through the court or Jugendamt.

What is the minimum amount a parent is allowed to keep ("Selbstbehalt")?

The “Selbstbehalt” is a protected amount to ensure the paying parent’s basic needs are met. The exact figure is set annually and varies by circumstances, but as of 2024 it is about €1,370 for non-employed and €1,200 for unemployed parents, though these numbers can change.

Are both parents responsible for child support if one is unemployed?

Both parents remain responsible. If the paying parent is unemployed but capable of working, they may be expected to seek employment or face imputed income assessments.

How long is child support required?

Child support is required until the child completes their first vocational training or studies and is able to support themselves. This often continues beyond the age of 18 if the child is still in education.

What if the paying parent lives abroad?

International agreements and EU regulations allow enforcement of child support across borders. The Jugendamt can assist with these complex situations.

Can additional costs (e.g. extracurricular activities, school trips) be claimed on top of standard support?

Yes. In addition to regular child support, extraordinary costs (called "Mehrbedarf" or "Sonderbedarf") can sometimes be claimed for special expenses like medical treatment, school trips, or extracurricular activities.

Additional Resources

If you require further support or detailed information, the following bodies and organizations can assist:

• Jugendamt Kelheim: The local youth welfare office provides free consultation, mediation, and official documentation services regarding child support.
• Amtsgericht Kelheim (Family Court): Handles legal proceedings related to child support and can issue enforceable orders.
• Deutscher Kinderschutzbund: National child protection league offering advice and support for children and parents facing family law issues.
• Anwaltverein Kelheim: Bar association that can refer you to specialist family law attorneys in the region.
• Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend: The Federal Ministry offers comprehensive information about child support at the national level.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with child support in Kelheim, consider taking the following steps:

1. Consult with the Jugendamt for free initial advice and mediation services.
2. Gather all relevant documents (income statements, existing agreements, proof of expenses, etc.).
3. Contact a local attorney specializing in Familienrecht (family law) for advice tailored to your situation.
4. If urgent arrangements are needed (e.g., unpaid support), apply to the Familiengericht for interim relief or enforcement action.
5. Keep records of all correspondence and decisions related to child support for future reference.