Good afternoon all,
I have recently joined the site and have had a look through, but there doesn't seem to be anything regarding an issue I have. I would be grateful of any response, or indeed any advice regarding this matter.
I am writing this post on behalf of my friend who currently lives in Germany. He is a British citizen, who up until recently had a German partner. Back in February of this year the couple had their first child, who was born in Germany. However, since then the relationship has deteriorated and his partner asked him to leave the family home. He is still living in Germany, but has been unable to find out what rights he has regarding his son and if the law differs that much from the UK. His ex partner keeps telling him that things are very different in Germany and that the father has no legal rights whatsoever over his son, and thus she controls, when, where and for how long he can see his son. She also says that as she has he has no legal entitlement to see his son, all visits must be supervised by her at all times.
At this stage, I have to point out that my friend is a very amiable, if a little quiet and gullible with such matters. He has no criminal record etc., which obviously could be a reason for supervised visits, he has no history of violence or anything along those lines, he is just a normal guy who has been caught up in a difficult situation.
If there is anyone out there who knows of, have has any advice/direction to point us in regarding this we would be most grateful.
Many thanks to anyone who reads this.
Hi there
From what I can gather, having briefly scouted for information relating to Family Law in Germany, the courts there recognise the importance of a child having both parents involved. He would need to apply to the court for shared parental responsibility, but my advice would be to seek the advice of a family lawyer in Germany.
Here's a link to a blog written by a German solicitor, he seems quite responsive to people experiencing problems with child contact etc.. I'm sure if your friend were to email him he could provide information about how the system works there....it doesn't seem too different to the UK to be honest.
https://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/10-faq-child-custody-law-germany/
It might also be a good idea if your friend gave Reunite a call, the are experienced in international law and are very helpful. Here's a link to their website where you'll find a helpline number.
www.reunite.org
Sorry I can't be more helpful
Best of luck