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Family benefits

Apply for a custody order

Application to the family court for the transfer, restriction, or termination of parental custody.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Apply for a custody order mit dem zuständigen Familiengericht in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a custody order.

Processing: approx. 4 monthsSuccess rate: 55.0 %
Last reviewed: August 03, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Personalausweis oder Reisepass · Formular / Antrag

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    In person or by post at the office

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Counseling at the Department of Children and Family Services

    Seeking voluntary legal advice can make the process easier and is often expected by the court.

  2. 2

    File a petition with the family court

    In writing, with legal assistance if necessary.

  3. 3

    Hearing and Decision

    The court hears testimony from the parents, the child (once they reach a certain age), and the child welfare agency.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Parents who wish to establish joint or sole custody, as well as child welfare agencies in cases where a child’s well-being is at risk.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 4 months

Success rate

approx. 55.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Application submitted to the Youth Welfare Office without prior consultation
  • No statement regarding the child's best interests is included

Common reasons for rejection

  • The best interests of the child argue against the proposed arrangement
  • Failure to consult the other parent or child

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.

Related services

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Sorgerechtsverfügung beantragen?

In der Regel ca. 120 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Familienportal des Bundes
Data quality
100 %

Read more

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