Beste Umgangsrecht Anwälte in Frankfurt am Main

1. About Umgangsrecht Law in Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland

Umgangsrecht, or the right of a child to have contact with both parents, is a cornerstone of German family law. In Frankfurt am Main, this right is applied under federal law through the local family courts (Familiengericht) within the Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main. Courts focus on the child’s best interests when determining schedules, travel, and a parent’s visitation obligations.

The aim is to preserve meaningful parent-child relationships after separation, while considering the child’s welfare, schooling, and routines in the Frankfurt region. In practice, courts balance parental involvement with potential risks to the child and the parents' ability to cooperate. When disputes arise, a judge will usually seek a practical schedule that supports ongoing contact and stability for the child.

Key principle: The child’s right to contact with both parents is protected by federal law and interpreted by Hessen’s family courts in Frankfurt am Main. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1684.html

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Frankfurt-specific circumstances can complicate Umgangsrecht matters, making legal counsel valuable. Below are concrete scenarios you may encounter in the Frankfurt area that often require skilled guidance.

• A custodial parent in Frankfurt refuses regular weekend visitation after a separation and has relocated to another state, making enforcement complex and time-sensitive.
• You need to modify an existing visitation schedule due to a new work shift or relocation for a job within the Rhine-Marmara region, and your co-parent disagrees.
• Your child has therapeutic or school-related needs in Frankfurt that require adjustments to contact times, travel routes, or supervision requirements.
• You face a risk of international or interstate abduction and need urgent protective measures or a court order to preserve contact rights.
• You are seeking to enforce or modify a court order after a relocation within Germany, where the new location affects travel times to school, sports, or therapy appointments.
• You wish to pursue cooperative mediation but the other parent refuses to participate, and you need a lawyer to prepare and present a formal mediation request or court referral.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws govern Umgangsrecht in Germany and specifically apply in Frankfurt am Main, Hessen. They set out the rights of the child, the responsibilities of parents, and the procedural framework used by courts.

• BGB § 1684 - Right of access (Umgangsrecht). This section establishes the child’s right to contact with both parents and the general framework for visitation, subject to the child’s welfare. See official text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1684.html
• BGB §§ 1626 ff. - Sorgerecht (parental custody) and related provisions. These sections describe how custody is held, whether jointly or individually, and how decisions affecting the child are made. See official text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1626.html
• FamFG - Gesetz über das Verfahren in Familiensachen und in den Angelegenheiten der freiwilligen Gerichtsbarkeit (Family Court Procedure Act). This act governs court procedures for family matters, including hearings on Umgangsrecht, and outlines mediation and interim measures. See official text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/famfg/

In Hessen, the local court handling these matters is the Familiengericht of the Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main, with appeals typically heard by the Landgericht Frankfurt am Main. For citizens, the Justizportal in Hessen provides practical information about procedures, court locations, and how to file for a case in Frankfurt. See official portal: https://justizportal.hessen.de/

Recent trend: German family courts increasingly encourage mediation and early dispute resolution to reduce time in court and to preserve parental cooperation for the child’s welfare. https://justizportal.hessen.de/

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Umgangsrecht in Frankfurt am Main?

Umgangsrecht ensures the child maintains a meaningful relationship with both parents after separation. It is designed to protect the child’s welfare while facilitating regular contact, unless safety concerns or exceptional circumstances arise.

How do I start a case for visitation in Frankfurt?

File a petition at the local Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main, typically through the Familiengericht branch. You or your lawyer will submit forms, and the court may order mediation or a first hearing as part of the process.

What is the typical cost of an Umgangsrecht case in Frankfurt?

Costs depend on case complexity and lawyer involvement. In Germany, lawyers charge under the RVG system and court costs are set by statute; initial consultations may range from 100 to 250 EUR plus VAT, with higher fees for more complex matters.

How long does a typical hearing take in Frankfurt for Umgangsrecht?

A first decision can take several weeks to a few months after filing, depending on court schedules and complexities. More complex modifications may extend to several months.

Do I need a lawyer for an Umgangsrecht case in Frankfurt?

Legal representation is common and advisable, especially if there are custody questions, relocation, or cross-border elements. You may proceed pro se, but a lawyer helps with filings, negotiations, and presenting evidence.

Is mediation required in Frankfurt Umgangsrecht cases?

Mediation is strongly encouraged and may be ordered by the court. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a hearing, with a judge evaluating the best interests of the child.

Can relocation with a child affect visitation in Frankfurt?

Yes. A relocation that impacts travel times or school arrangements often requires court approval or the other parent’s consent. Courts consider practical impact on the child and parental cooperation.

What documents should I gather for the first appointment?

Collect birth certificates, custody orders, previous visitation agreements, proof of relocation or work schedules, school and medical records, and any communications with the other parent about visitation.

Is it possible to appeal a Familiengericht decision in Frankfurt?

Yes. You may appeal to the Oberlandesgericht or the Landgericht depending on the case type. Appeals must follow strict time limits and procedural steps set by FamFG and BGB.

Where can I find support from the Jugendamt in Frankfurt?

The Jugendamt in Frankfurt can provide guidance on child welfare, mediation referrals, and interim safety measures. Contact the city’s official channels to locate the appropriate office and services.

What is the difference between Umgangsrecht and Besuchsrecht?

Umgangsrecht is the child’s right to contact with both parents, while Besuchsrecht is a term sometimes used informally to describe visitation rights. Legally, Umgangsrecht covers access and visitation planning under the BGB framework.

5. Additional Resources

• Justizportal Hessen - Official portal with information on family law procedures, court locations, and how to file for cases in Hessen, including Frankfurt am Main. https://justizportal.hessen.de/
• Gesetze im Internet - Official repository for German federal law, including the BGB sections on Umgangsrecht and Sorgerecht. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de
• BGB § 1684 and § 1626 ff - Texts detailing the child’s rights to contact and parental custody, respectively. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1684.htmlhttps://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1626.html

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals for the Umgangsrecht arrangement, noting school, therapy, travel, and work constraints in Frankfurt.
2. Collect all relevant documents: birth certificates, custody orders, prior agreements, and evidence of relocation or scheduling conflicts.
3. Search for a lawyer with specific experience in Frankfurt Umgangsrecht and family court procedures; schedule an initial consultation to assess options.
4. Decide whether mediation is feasible; if so, prepare for a mediation session with a proposed schedule and objectives.
5. File the petition or respond to the other parent’s filing at the Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main through the Familiengericht; request interim measures if needed.
6. Prepare for hearings by organizing evidence, witnesses, and any expert reports (medical, educational, or psychological) relevant to the child’s welfare.
7. Follow up on court communications and, if the decision is unsatisfactory, discuss appellate options with your attorney and the court within statutory deadlines.