Family law · Germany
Specialist family lawyers in Germany for divorce, custody and maintenance
When family life reaches a turning point, you need clear guidance on German family law. We match you with a lawyer who handles divorce, child custody, maintenance and matrimonial property across Germany. Share your situation and receive vetted, no-obligation contacts within 24–48 hours.
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Overview
How our free matching service works in Germany
Family law in Germany is governed by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) and handled by ordinary civil courts, from the local Amtsgericht to the Federal Court of Justice. Whether you need advice on a divorce, child maintenance, custody, or the division of accrued gains, specialist family lawyers in Germany can clarify your position under the Zugewinngemeinschaft regime, Pflichtteil claims or notarial requirements for real property. Our platform helps you find a practising Rechtsanwalt admitted through the German bar and familiar with local court practice. You describe your case once, and we match you with vetted lawyers who handle the relevant family-law matter. The matching service is free, and you are under no obligation to instruct any lawyer. In the following sections, we explain the key German rules, deadlines and costs you should know before taking the first step.
Germany legal framework
How German family law works
Germany has a codified civil-law system centred on the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) and the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO). Family cases are heard within the ordinary jurisdiction, starting at the local Amtsgericht, where representation by a lawyer is mandatory in most divorce, maintenance and matrimonial property matters. The rules below summarise what you need to know before seeking a specialist.
Courts and compulsory representation
German family cases are heard in the ordinary civil jurisdiction, starting at the local Amtsgericht. In most divorce, maintenance and matrimonial property matters, representation by a lawyer is mandatory. Appeals may go to the regional court or higher regional court, while the Federal Court of Justice reviews only points of law.
Admission and bar oversight
Every lawyer must hold the qualification for judicial office, obtained by passing two state examinations after university study and a legal traineeship. Admission is compulsory and lawyers are members of one of 28 regional bar associations, coordinated by the Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer (BRAK).
Statutory fees and legal aid
Lawyer fees follow the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz and are calculated from the value in dispute, not hours worked. In civil litigation the losing party generally bears court fees and the opponent’s statutory lawyer fees. Prozesskostenhilfe can cover court and lawyer fees for eligible parties subject to an income test.
Default matrimonial property regime
Spouses who marry without a contract are automatically in the Zugewinngemeinschaft. Each spouse keeps their own assets during the marriage, but on divorce the gain accrued during the marriage is equalised. Alternative regimes require a notarised marriage contract.
Pflichtteil (compulsory share)
Certain close relatives excluded from a will retain a compulsory share under Section 2303 BGB: descendants, the surviving spouse or registered partner, and parents where there are no descendants. The Pflichtteil is a monetary claim worth half the value of the intestate share.
Notarial recording for real property
Any contract by which a party undertakes to transfer or acquire ownership of land must be recorded by a notary. Without this, the contract is void but may be cured if the conveyance and land register registration subsequently take place. Notarial advice is mandatory.
Key time limit — Family Law
Divorce — 1 year of separation. A divorce may generally be sought after the spouses have lived apart for one year.
The data in this section is drawn from official German statutory sources and e-Justice, accessed February 2026.
- Legal systems – Germany (e-Justice)
- Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer (BRAK)
- German Code of Civil Procedure – Section 78
- German Civil Code – Section 1363 (Matrimonial property regime)
- German Civil Code – Section 2303 (Compulsory share)
- German Civil Code – Section 311b (Notarial recording)
- Legal aid – Germany (e-Justice)
- German Protection Against Dismissal Act – Section 4
- German Civil Code – Section 195 (Limitation period)
- German Civil Code – Section 1566 (Divorce separation)
- German Civil Code – Section 1944 (Disclaimer of inheritance)
- German Civil Code – Section 573c (Tenancy termination)
- German Code of Administrative Court Procedure – Section 70
Common challenges
Family law problems we help you solve
Our matching service connects you with a German family lawyer who can address the issues below.
Divorce and separation
You may be unsure how the one-year separation requirement works or what you are entitled to under the Zugewinngemeinschaft. A specialist can map out the steps and protect your financial interests.
Child custody and maintenance
Disputes over children are emotionally draining. A family lawyer can explain how German courts approach custody and maintenance, and help you negotiate a workable arrangement without court where possible.
Matrimonial property and inheritance
If you are divorcing or dealing with a death, property issues like accrued gains or the Pflichtteil can be technical. A lawyer can identify what you are owed and ensure deadlines are met.
Why use our matching service
What you get when you work with our network
A simple, transparent way to find a family lawyer in Germany.
Vetted local expertise
Every lawyer on our platform is admitted in Germany and a compulsory member of a regional Rechtsanwaltskammer, so you receive advice based on current German statutes and court practice.
Clear, predictable fees
German lawyer fees follow statutory scales under the RVG, so cost estimates are transparent. Ask about Prozesskostenhilfe if you cannot afford the costs.
Fast, free matching
You pay nothing to be matched. Complete a short form and receive up to three suitable contacts within 24–48 hours, with no obligation to hire.
Support in complex cases
From notarised marriage contracts to inheritance claims, the lawyers we match handle the formalities that German law requires, helping you avoid invalid steps.
Other jurisdictions
Explore family lawyers in other European countries
If you are comparing legal systems or need advice in another country, we also offer matching in these jurisdictions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Germany?
Yes. In most family-law matters before the local court, including divorce, maintenance and matrimonial property disputes, representation by a lawyer is mandatory. The lawyer must be admitted in Germany and is a compulsory member of a regional bar association. Our service helps you find a specialist quickly.
What is the default matrimonial property regime in Germany?
Spouses who marry without a contract are automatically in the Zugewinngemeinschaft. Each keeps their own assets during marriage, but on divorce the accrued gain is equalised; the spouse with the smaller gain receives half the difference. Other regimes require a notarised marriage contract.
What is the Pflichtteil in German inheritance law?
Certain close relatives excluded from a will retain a compulsory share under Section 2303 BGB. Descendants, the surviving spouse or registered partner, and parents where there are no descendants may claim half the value of their intestate share. A lawyer can assess your entitlement.
How much do family lawyers in Germany cost?
Lawyer fees are set by the Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz and calculated from the value in dispute, not hours worked. In civil litigation the losing party generally bears statutory fees. If you cannot afford the costs, Prozesskostenhilfe may cover court and lawyer fees subject to an income test.
What is the separation requirement for divorce in Germany?
German law generally requires one year of separation before a divorce can be granted. During this time the spouses must live apart; the exact start date can be important for the proceedings. A family lawyer can help you document the separation correctly.
Which courts handle family cases in Germany?
Family cases are heard in the ordinary civil jurisdiction, starting at the local Amtsgericht. Appeals may go to the regional court or higher regional court, while the Federal Court of Justice reviews only points of law. Most family-law matters require lawyer representation.
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Find the right family lawyer in Germany
Tell us briefly about your family law matter and location. We will match you with vetted, admitted German lawyers within 24–48 hours, free of charge and without obligation.