Legal guardianship
A child who is not under parental care requires a guardian. For a child born out of wedlock whose mother is still a minor, the Youth Welfare Office becomes the legal guardian until the mother reaches the age of majority.
Court-appointed guardianship
In other cases, for example if the parents' parental custody is withdrawn or suspended by a decision of the family court, a guardian must be appointed for the child by the court. The youth welfare office can also be appointed as guardian. The guardian is the legal representative of the child.
Voluntary guardianship
Voluntary guardianship ensures that minors in Germany are legally represented if their parents are unable to do so.
The guardians are legal representatives and are under the supervision of the family court. A guardianship is also set up for refugee minors.
For further information and support in this area, please contact the Coordination Office for Guardianships.