About Ehe Law in Deutschland
Ehe (marriage) in Deutschland is governed primarily by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), the central civil code in Germany. The BGB regulates how marriages are formed, the duties of spouses, the default property regime, and the grounds for dissolution through divorce. Civil registration of marriages is handled by Standesamt offices, and the ceremony itself is typically civil, with religious ceremonies optional afterwards.
Key features of German Ehe law include the default matrimonial property regime of Zugewinngemeinschaft, the option to choose Gütertrennung or modify arrangements via a notarized Ehevertrag, and systematized rules for maintenance, child custody, and visitation after separation or divorce. Law also covers international aspects such as recognition of foreign marriages and cross-border custody issues. For up-to-date guidance, consult official sources like Gesetze-im-Internet and the Familienportal.
“German family law relies on the BGB for marriage formation, property regimes, and dissolution, with the FamFG governing court procedures in family matters.”
For practical guidance, always rely on official resources when navigating married life in Germany. The BGB and related statutes are accessible online for free, and government portals offer step-by-step explanations and forms.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Marriage and family matters can involve complex, interdependent issues. A lawyer can help you anticipate consequences and protect your rights in concrete situations.
- Planning a notarius-free prenuptial agreement (Ehevertrag) to define asset sharing and maintenance in case of divorce, while respecting German notarization requirements.
- Filing for divorce with significant accumulated assets, debts, or shared business interests requiring careful asset division under Zugewinngemeinschaft rules.
- Handling child custody (Sorgerecht) and visitation after separation, including decisions about joint custody versus sole custody and parental responsibilities.
- Negotiating or contesting maintenance (Unterhalt) after separation, including spousal support and potential child support adjustments over time.
- Addressing urgent protective measures or Gewaltschutz in cases of domestic violence, and obtaining temporary orders to safeguard the family.
- Managing cross-border or international aspects, such as a spouse living abroad, foreign court proceedings, or recognition of a foreign divorce in Germany.
Local Laws Overview
The German legal framework for Ehe rests on several core statutes. The BGB is the foundation for marriage formation, duties, property rights, and divorce, while the FamFG governs the procedural aspects of family court matters. In addition, the Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz (PartGG) addresses registered partnerships and the path to marriage for same-sex couples who started with a registered partnership.
- BGB - Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch: The central civil code regulating marriage, property regimes (including Zugewinngemeinschaft by default), divorce grounds, maintenance, and parental rights. Official text available at gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb.
- FamFG - Gesetz über das Verfahren in Familiensachen und in den Angelegenheiten der freiwilligen Gerichtsbarkeit: Governs family court procedures, including divorce filings, custody hearings, and child support processes. Official text available at gesetze-im-internet.de/famfg.
- Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz (PartGG): Regulates registered partnerships and the transition to marriage for some couples; open to same-sex partnerships and related rights. Official text available at gesetze-im-internet.de/lebenspartg.
Recent developments include the legal opening of marriage to same-sex couples following the general reform that allowed marriage for all couples in 2017, while registered partnerships remain governed by PartGG for those who entered partnerships previously. For authoritative summaries, see the BMJV and Bundesregierung pages on family law developments. BMJV - Family Law and Bundesregierung - Ehe fuer Alle.
Tip If you plan a prenuptial agreement or a cross-border arrangement, consult a lawyer early to ensure compliance with notarization requirements and applicable German law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main law that governs marriage in Germany?
The core rules come from the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), which covers formation, duties, property regimes, and dissolution. The Familienverfahrensgesetz (FamFG) governs court procedures in family matters, including divorce and custody. See official texts at Gesetze-im-Internet.
How do I start a divorce in Germany and who handles filings?
Divorce proceedings are typically filed at the local Amtsgericht or Familiengericht with the help of a lawyer. If there are children or complex asset issues, a lawyer is strongly advised to navigate the process and represent you in court. The FamFG outlines the procedural steps.
What is the default property regime in German marriages and can I change it?
The default regime is Zugewinngemeinschaft, meaning assets increase with the increase of value during marriage. You can change this arrangement by a notarized Ehevertrag (marriage contract) selecting Gütertrennung or another arrangement. Notarization is required for validity in most cases.
How much does a typical divorce cost in Germany, including legal fees?
Costs depend on assets, complexity, and legal representation. Lawyer fees are set by the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsordnung and court costs by the Gerichtskostenordnung. Uncontested cases are cheaper than those with disputes over custody or assets.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce or can I represent myself?
While it is possible to handle simple matters yourself, most divorce cases in Germany involve legal counsel to ensure proper filings and fair asset division. A lawyer is often essential for complex custody or maintenance issues.
Can I modify my marital property regime after marriage?
Yes, you can modify the regime later by a notarized agreement, typically if both spouses consent and the change is registered. The modification is subject to German law and may affect tax and inheritance rights.
When is child custody decided and what is the default arrangement after separation?
Custody arrangements are decided by the family court and aim to preserve the child’s welfare. In most cases, parents share joint custody, unless the court determines a different arrangement is in the child’s best interests.
What is a prenuptial agreement and what should it cover?
A prenuptial agreement specifies asset division, maintenance, and other financial arrangements in case of divorce. It must be notarized in Germany to be enforceable and should reflect both parties' rights and obligations clearly.
Is same-sex marriage legal and recognized in Germany?
Yes. Since 2017, same-sex marriage is legal in Germany, with existing registered partnerships also recognized. The law treats married same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex couples for most purposes.
What is the difference between joint custody and sole custody in Germany?
Joint custody means both parents share the decision-making authority about the child, while sole custody assigns this authority to one parent. German courts generally favor joint custody after separation, prioritizing the child’s welfare.
Do foreigners have special requirements to marry in Germany?
Foreign nationals can marry in Germany, but must present valid documents such as passports, birth certificates, and, where applicable, certificate of no impediment to marriage. Documents may need translation and legalization or apostilles.
What if I need faster protective orders or urgent measures in a domestic dispute?
In emergencies, German courts can issue interim orders under the Gewaltschutz provisions to protect individuals. A lawyer can help you apply for expedited relief and coordinate with authorities if needed.
Additional Resources
- Gesetze-im-Internet - Official repository for German laws including BGB, FamFG, and PartGG. Use for the exact text of statutory provisions. gesetze-im-internet.de
- Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJV) - Provides official guidance on family law, marriage, divorce, and child protection policies. bmjv.de
- Familienportal - Government-supported resource with practical information on marriage, parenting, and family rights. familienportal.de
- Destatis - Official statistics on family demographics, marriages, and divorces in Germany. destatis.de
Next Steps
- Define your goals and collect all relevant documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, financial records). This helps a lawyer assess asset division and custody implications quickly.
- Identify a lawyer who specializes in Familienrecht (family law) and, if possible, a Fachanwalt fuer Familienrecht in your area. Use referrals from trusted sources or professional directories.
- Request initial consultations to understand your options, fees, and likely timelines. Prepare questions about asset division, custody, and maintenance to compare with other lawyers.
- Ask about the best approach for your case, including whether a negotiated agreement is feasible or if court proceedings are necessary. Clarify costs and expected milestones.
- Consider a notarial Ehevertrag if you want a clearly defined Güterstand or special arrangements. Obtain a written summary from the lawyer and confirm it with a Notar.
- Make a decision and sign a retainer agreement with your chosen legal counsel. Share all documents and discuss strategy, communication, and updates for your case.
- Start the actual case process or negotiation in a timely manner, following the lawyer's plan and attending all required hearings and filings. Track deadlines and respond promptly to requests from the court.
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