Custody and maintenance

Information on paternity, custody and maintenance obligations in the event of separation with a child.

Fatherhood and Motherhood

Recognition of paternity without a declaration of custody with a birth certificate already issued for the child

If you are the father of a child and are not married to the child's mother, you can recognise paternity.
Paternity disputes

If you are excluded from representing your child, the City Youth Welfare Office can be appointed as a supplementary guardian to contest paternity.
Acknowledgement of paternity and declaration of custody with birth certificate already issued for the child

If you are the father of a child and are not married to the child's mother, you can recognise paternity.

Custody and Guardianship

Name changes for children

In certain cases, it is possible to adapt a child's surname to a changed family situation.
Guardianship and guardianship of minors

Exercise of full or partial parental care and legal representation for a child by the youth welfare office instead of the parents.
Notarisation of a declaration of custody

Are you the parents of a child and not married to each other? You can obtain joint custody by making a declaration of custody.
Information on sole custody from the custody register

A mother who is not or was not married to the child's father can obtain written information on sole custody from the custody register.

Maintenance payments

Advance on maintenance

Securing the maintenance of children of single mothers and fathers up to the age of 18.
Paternity survey for maintenance payments

If you want to apply for an advance on maintenance payments, the father must be legally established by a deed or a judgement.
Notarisation of maintenance claims

Does your child not live with both parents in the same household? Then he or she is entitled to "cash maintenance" from the parent living away from the household.
Managing guardianship

Assistance: legal representation of underage children in establishing paternity and claiming child maintenance.
Legal advice on paternity and maintenance issues

We advise on maintenance claims for underage children and young adults up to their 21st birthday as well as on carer's maintenance.
Advise adults (under 21 years of age) on maintenance issues

Adults who are unable to fully cover their maintenance needs from their own resources may be entitled to maintenance from both parents

Information and guide

Bild mit Geldscheinen und Münzen

Rechtsberatung Unterhalt

Informationen, Unterstützung und Beratung für Alleinerziehende rund um die Themen Unterhalt für das Kind und Betreuungsunterhalt.

Verwandte Themen

Vier einzelne 1-Euro-Münzen.

Financial emergencies

Frauenhand und Kinderhand klatschen sich ab

Child upbringing and youth welfare

Schlafendes Baby

Starting a family

Drei Kinder in der Kita am Basteltisch

Childcare