Custody - applying for transfer and withdrawal
When parents separate or divorce, they continue to have joint custody of their children.
The legislator assumes that joint custody is the best solution for the child in most cases.
The family court can transfer parental custody or part of it to one parent on application.
Note: It is not possible to transfer custody by mutual agreement without the involvement of the family court. However, it is possible to authorise the other parent to exercise parental custody. Please seek legal advice on this in individual cases or contact the youth welfare office or a counselling centre.
Responsible authority
- in connection with a divorce: the local court (family court) dealing with the divorce proceedings
- otherwise: the local court (family court) in whose district the child usually resides
Note: In certain cases, a different court may also have jurisdiction. You should therefore seek advice from a lawyer.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- The other parent agrees or
- the transfer of custody to only one parent of the child is in the best interests of the child.
- If custody is withdrawn ex officio:
- On the basis of concrete evidence, there appears to be a serious risk to the child's welfare and
- the parents are unwilling or unable to avert this danger.
Procedure
In divorce proceedings, the court responsible for the divorce also decides on custody if one parent requests the transfer of custody. In this case, the matter is part of the divorce proceedings.
A parent can also apply for custody to be transferred without divorce proceedings. This is possible if the parents are not only temporarily separated.
The family court can also withdraw custody ex officio. In most cases, such proceedings are initiated on the basis of suggestions or information from third parties, for example the youthwelfare office or people close to the child.
Parents may agree on who should be awarded custody. The family court then usually grants the application for transfer of custody.
However, a child over the age of 14 can object to this agreement.
If the parents disagree, the court will examine which solution is in the best interests of the child. Firstly, a hearing is scheduled.
The parents and the child as well as other parties involved are heard (separately). The family court judge obtains a comprehensive overview of the child's family situation.
The court may also involve experts for this purpose.
The results of the hearing and , if applicable, the expert's recommendation are incorporated into the court's decision.
Note: The court can appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor child. This person also represents the child's interests vis-à-vis the parents.
Young people aged 14 and over can lodge an appeal against a decision independently.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
none
Costs
In principle, court costs and, if applicable, lawyer's fees are incurred.
Miscellaneous
Please seek legal advice in individual cases or contact the youth welfare office or a counselling centre.
Legal basis
Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB):
- § 1671 Übertragung der Alleinsorge bei Getrenntleben der Eltern
- § 1666 Gerichtliche Maßnahmen bei Gefährdung des Kindeswohls
Gesetz über das Verfahren in Familiensachen und in den Angelegenheiten der freiwilligen Gerichtsbarkeit (FamFG):
- §§ 151 folgend Verfahren in Kindschaftssachen
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 21.03.2025