Contact with Children

In nearly every separation, the children involved are often the most affected. Frequently, after a separation, children reside primarily with one parent. This then raises the question of how much contact the other parent, with whom the children do not predominantly live, will have with them.

As the law does not prescribe rigid rules in this area, contact arrangements are tailored to the needs and capabilities of both parents, as well as the children themselves. Beyond common arrangements, such as children spending every second weekend with the non-resident parent or an equitable division of holiday and public holiday periods, there are countless individual possibilities for structuring these arrangements.

It is crucial to establish arrangements that ensure regular contact and prevent the 'non-resident' parent from becoming even more estranged from their children's lives than they already might be.

However, parents are not always able to reach an amicable agreement. Our specialist family law attorneys are here to assist. We are dedicated to finding a contact arrangement that is acceptable to both parties and will negotiate this with the other parent. If out-of-court efforts do not yield the desired outcome, we will support you with the necessary applications to the family court. It is important to note that the right to contact can only be restricted in cases of extreme hardship.

All decisions concerning child contact should always prioritize the child's best interests. As a family law firm in Nuremberg, we offer our supportive guidance in this emotionally challenging area of conflict. If reaching an agreement proves impossible, we are prepared to represent you and help you assert your rights, including in court.

• Is your spouse denying you contact with your child?
• Are you prohibited from taking your child on vacation alone?
• Do you have concerns about leaving the child alone with your spouse after separation?
• Do you believe the child's welfare is at risk, or is there a danger of child abduction?
• Is your spouse failing to adhere to the agreed-upon contact times?
• Is your spouse denying the child contact with grandparents and other relatives?

Process and Support

• Assessing the potential for conflict between parents
• Out-of-court conflict resolution through an amicable child contact agreement
• Judicial proceedings for an enforceable child contact arrangement, in cooperation with the youth welfare office and educational support services

Goals and Prospects of Success

• Restoring contact with the child, if necessary through supervised visitation
• Developing a flexible child contact arrangement that accommodates the individual life circumstances of both parents and the child
• Judicial enforcement of the established child contact arrangement
• Preventing estrangement while simultaneously restoring the relationship of trust between the child and the separated parent, in the best interest of the child.

Time Commitment and Duration of Proceedings

• The duration of the proceedings largely depends on the cooperation of the parties involved.
• In out-of-court matters, results are typically achieved within a few weeks.
• Family courts are legally required to schedule the first hearing within four weeks.

Costs and Fees

• Billing is based on the rates set by the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) or a fee agreement, depending on the scope of work, particularly whether the involvement of additional mediation services such as educational support or psychologists is required.
• In cases of financial hardship, it is possible to apply for legal aid.
• The standard legal practice is for costs to be offset, meaning each party bears their own attorney's fees, with court costs being shared equally.