Parental custody order if the child's welfare is at risk

Often, one parent applies for sole custody of the offspring and thus applies to the family court (no special form is required), as parental custody is of course the responsibility of both parents.

In other cases, the proceedings are initiated by the authorities, in particular by the Youth Welfare Office.

Throughout the custody proceedings, the parents are closely monitored and the family court obtains a comprehensive overview of the child's family situation, also involving experts and expert opinions as required.

As a rule, the family court influences the parties involved so that the parents reach an out-of-court agreement and work out a solution together (also with the youth welfare office) for the benefit of the child.

However, if the healthy development of the child is at risk and there is a suspicion that the child's welfare is at risk, quick decisions must be made in custody proceedings (summary proceedings, e.g. to hand over the child and exclude access), which often do not allow for a joint solution.

The court usually appoints a so-called guardian ad litem. This ensures that the child's needs are safeguarded during the proceedings and that the child does not become a mere object of the parents.

Please contact the family court at the local court.

For an intervention in custody, either an application by a parent is necessary or a report from the youth welfare office, reports from neighbors, educators or relatives on indications that justify the withdrawal of custody even without an application or suggest the transfer of custody to a parent under the aspect of the child's welfare.

Court fees and, if applicable, lawyer's fees are incurred. The fees are determined by the value of the proceedings set by the court.

• § Section 1666 of the German Civil Code (BGB)
• Act on Proceedings in Family Matters and in Matters of Non-Contentious Jurisdiction (FamFG)