For individuals
Family and personal legal matters: staying objective when it gets personal
Separation, maintenance, questions about shared children or an agreement within the family – in situations like these, legal questions are closely bound up with emotion and responsibility. We give you a calm overview of the situation, the documents and the possible routes, so that you can make informed decisions.
Overview
What makes family legal questions different
Family law matters rarely concern only one point. Housing, assets, maintenance and the care of children are often linked, and a decision in one area affects the others. It is therefore worth grasping the overall picture first, before individual claims are made or commitments given.
Then there is communication. Messages written during a tense period can matter later. We help you stay objective, record important points in writing and distinguish between personal concerns and legally significant declarations. Where there is a connection to another state – through residence, nationality or assets, for example – this can affect which law applies and where proceedings would have to be brought. That should be clarified early.
Common starting questions include:
- What should be considered first when a relationship ends?
- How can maintenance questions be prepared in a way others can follow?
- What needs to be considered on custody and contact?
- How does residence or property abroad affect the situation?
- When does a written agreement make sense?
Hypothetical examples
Examples from practice
The following situations are hypothetical examples. They are for illustration only and describe neither real people nor actual proceedings or outcomes.
Example: separation with homes in two countries
A couple has separated and one partner has moved abroad. The questions are which courts might have jurisdiction, which law governs maintenance and property, and which documents will be needed from both countries.
Example: disagreement about contact
Separated parents cannot agree on how the children spend the school holidays. The focus is on an objective record of previous arrangements, the children’s welfare and whether an amicable solution is within reach.
Example: an agreement before moving in together
Two partners want to record who contributed what before buying a home together. The question is what form such an agreement requires and which points it should sensibly cover.
Documents
Documents you can prepare
A few documents are often enough for an initial assessment. Depending on the matter, the following may help later:
- Marriage, birth or civil partnership certificates
- Existing marriage contracts, agreements or court decisions
- Proof of income and an overview of regular expenses
- Documents on property, accounts and liabilities
- A short chronology of important events and arrangements
- Relevant letters from the other side, authorities or courts
- Proof of residence and nationality where another country is involved
Please do not send sensitive personal documents through the general contact form. We will agree with you which documents are actually needed and which secure route to use.
Process
How working together proceeds
Every family situation is different. The process is therefore shaped by your matter and usually follows these steps:
- Step 01
Describe your matter in confidence
You briefly outline the situation and your most important question. You can hold back personal details at first.
- Step 02
Clarifying the situation and connections
We identify which legal questions are involved, whether there is a cross-border element and what, if anything, needs attention at short notice.
- Step 03
Explaining the options
You learn which routes are generally available – from a conversation and an agreement through to formal proceedings – and what costs to expect.
- Step 04
Support once you have decided
We take the agreed steps only once you have made your decision. Where a question requires a professional admission in a particular state, we tell you so openly.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions on family matters
Do I have to act immediately if my partner wants to separate?
Not every separation calls for immediate legal steps. It is, however, sensible to gain an early overview of documents, finances and any deadlines in letters you have already received. Avoid hasty commitments or unilateral dealings with shared assets until the situation is clear.
Does it matter that we live in different countries?
Yes, often. Residence, habitual residence and nationality can influence which courts have jurisdiction and which law applies. These points can only be assessed on the basis of the specific facts.
Can an agreement be reached without court proceedings?
In many cases an amicable solution is possible and easier on everyone involved. Whether it can be reached and what form it needs depends on the situation and on both sides’ willingness to talk.
How confidential is my enquiry?
We treat your information confidentially. General details are enough for a first enquiry; sensitive documents should only be sent through an agreed secure channel.
Next step
Discuss your situation with us
Briefly describe what it is about. You will receive an objective response on the next steps that may be appropriate – in confidence and without judgement. Our free initial orientation is also available for a first general overview.
- A short description is enough for a first enquiry.
- Confidential documents only after agreeing a secure channel.
- An enquiry does not yet establish a client relationship.