Best Child Support Lawyers in Regensburg

About Child Support Law in Regensburg, Germany

Child support (Kindesunterhalt) in Regensburg, Germany is governed by national German family law but can involve local authorities, such as the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office). Child support is the financial assistance that one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child after separation or divorce. The law ensures that children receive adequate financial care from both parents, regardless of their living arrangements. Regulations are designed to protect the well-being of children and to provide a fair framework for parents during and after a separation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Navigating child support issues in Regensburg can be complex and emotionally challenging. You may need a lawyer if you:

• Experience disagreements with the other parent regarding the amount or duration of payments
• Need to establish or modify an official child support agreement
• Face difficulties in enforcing support payments
• Require advice on calculating child support obligations according to the Düsseldorfer Tabelle (Dusseldorf Table)
• Are involved in paternity disputes
• Have questions about your legal rights and duties as a parent in Germany

Lawyers provide expertise, representation, and advocacy to ensure that both your rights and the best interests of your child are protected.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of child support law in Regensburg are based on the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB). The most important points include:

• Child support obligations exist until the child reaches legal adulthood (18 years) or longer, if the child is still in education or job training.
• The amount of child support is mainly calculated using the Düsseldorfer Tabelle, which considers the net income of the parent who must pay support.
• Both parents have a legal duty to provide for their child's welfare, financially and personally.
• The Jugendamt can offer free advisory and mediation services, and they can help parents come to agreements or enforce support payments.
• In cases of dispute or non-payment, the court can intervene and issue a formal support order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is child support and who has to pay it?

Child support is money that a parent pays to contribute to the upbringing and living expenses of their child. In most cases, the parent who does not live with the child (non-custodial parent) is responsible for paying child support to the parent with whom the child lives.

How is the amount of child support determined in Regensburg?

The amount is calculated mainly using the Düsseldorfer Tabelle, which sets guidelines based on the net income of the paying parent and the number and ages of the children.

Until what age is child support required?

Generally, child support is required until a child turns 18. Support may be extended if the child is still in school, vocational training, or university, as long as they are not self-sufficient.

Can child support be adjusted if circumstances change?

Yes, if there are significant changes in financial circumstances, such as loss of employment or a substantial increase in income, either parent can request a recalculation through the court or Jugendamt.

What happens if the parent responsible for paying support refuses to pay?

The Jugendamt and the family court can intervene to enforce payment. They may garnish wages or seize assets to ensure the child's needs are met.

Can the Jugendamt help me if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Yes, the Jugendamt offers free advice, mediation, and can help with administrative steps related to child support. They can also represent your child's interests during the support process.

What documents are needed for a child support case?

You will typically need proof of income, information on expenses, documentation of child custody arrangements, and personal identification documents.

Is it possible to create a private child support agreement?

Yes, parents can agree on child support privately. However, for enforcement purposes, it is advisable to have the agreement officially documented and, if possible, notarized or confirmed by the Jugendamt.

Can a non-German citizen claim or pay child support in Regensburg?

Yes, child support obligations apply regardless of nationality, as long as the child lives in Germany or the case falls under German jurisdiction.

What if I need urgent support for my child?

You can contact the Jugendamt for immediate assistance. In urgent cases, the court can also issue a provisional order for child support until a final decision is made.

Additional Resources

Several organizations and governmental bodies in Regensburg offer support and guidance for child support matters:

• Jugendamt Regensburg - Local Youth Welfare Office providing advice, mediation, and enforcement services
• Family Court (Familiengericht) Regensburg - Handles legal proceedings, official support orders, and enforcement
• Caritas and Diakonie - Non-profit organizations offering legal advice and counseling services for families
• Lawyer Associations - The German Bar Association and local legal advice centers assist with lawyer referrals

Next Steps

If you believe you need help with child support in Regensburg, you can:

• Contact the local Jugendamt for information, advice, and support services
• Arrange a consultation with a family law attorney experienced in child support matters
• Collect relevant documents, including proof of income, custody agreements, and personal identification
• If facing immediate financial need, contact the Jugendamt or the Family Court for urgent support orders
• Use the support of local NGOs, such as Caritas or Diakonie, for additional guidance and emotional support during this process

Taking prompt action and seeking professional advice will help ensure your child's interests are protected and that you understand your rights and obligations under German law.