Marriage & Divorce

You have most probably heard the term "certified copy" ("beglaubigte Kopie") or the phrase "you need to have your documents/certificates authenticated" in Germany. In particular, when applying at university or the Civil Registry Office ("Standesamt"), you are required to submit a certified copy of your diplomas or documents. Here you can learn what a certified copy is and how you can make a certified copy of your documents.

If you are contemplating divorce, there are many laws and regulations you need to consider. A divorce entails a complicated legal process in Germany- which means there are crucial points to consider and various issues to work out before the official divorce. Here you will find everything you need to know about the divorce process in Germany.

After the end of a relationship or a partner's death, there are often many issues to clarify. If you are not from Germany, you usually have to apply for a new residence permit, particularly if you have come to Germany via family reunification because your partner was already living here. If you separate or your spouse passes away, you may lose your right of residence. However, under certain conditions, you can remain in Germany. These conditions have been regulated within the "Independent right of residence for spouses" ("Eheunabhängiges Aufenthaltsrecht") in §31 Residence Act.

Anyone may need to seek their rights at court or have to defend himself/herself against a charge at some point. However, litigation fees are quite high: if you lose, you have to pay your lawyer and court costs. In Germany, Legal aid ("Prozesskostenhilfe") has been established so that people with low income can also demand/defend their rights. "Prozzesskostenhilfe" is a government aid for people with limited income, i.e. the state assumes the costs of the lawyer and the court for certain legal proceedings to make sure no one is prevented from pursuing their rights in court because of substantial expenses.

In Germany, you do not need to be officially married to live with your partner and have children. Many still opt for marriage. To register your marriage in Germany you need to arrange a few things and prepare. Here, you will find everything you need to know before registering your marriage.