Frequently Asked Questions

Take our free 6-minute guided interview. Answer questions about your situation, and get instant results with legal citations from the German Civil Code (BGB). The tool evaluates your specific circumstances and provides relevant legal information.

No. Custody Clarity provides general legal information only, not individualized legal advice. The tool helps you understand your rights and prepare documents, but you should consult with a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Custody Clarity is available in 7 languages: English, German, Arabic, Polish, French, Turkish, and Russian. This makes legal information accessible to diverse communities in Germany.

Yes. All data is stored locally in your browser. We don't track you, collect personal information, or send your data to external servers. You can export your data at any time, and you can use the 'Quick Wipe' feature in settings to erase everything.

No. The tool works completely without registration. All your data stays on your device. You can use it offline once loaded.

Joint custody (gemeinsame Sorge) means both parents share decision-making rights for their child. In Germany, married parents automatically have joint custody. Unmarried parents can apply for joint custody under §1626a BGB if paternity is acknowledged.

Yes. Under §1684 BGB, you have the right to contact with your child. If contact is being blocked, you can apply to the family court (Familiengericht) for a contact order (Umgangsregelung). Our tool helps you understand your rights and prepare the necessary documents.

Processing times vary by court and case complexity. Simple joint custody applications can take 2-4 weeks, while contact orders may take 1-3 months. The court will schedule a hearing if needed.

For simple joint custody applications, you may not need a lawyer. However, for contested cases or contact orders, legal representation is recommended. You can also get free initial consultations from legal aid organizations.

Typically: birth certificate, paternity acknowledgment (if applicable), marriage certificate (if married), and any existing court orders. Our tool generates a checklist and cover letter tailored to your situation.

The Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) provides free counseling and mediation services. You don't have to involve them, but they can help mediate disputes and provide support. Courts often suggest involving the Jugendamt before or during proceedings.

You can generate joint custody applications (gemeinsame Sorge) and contact order applications (Umgangsregelung). The tool also creates cover letters, checklists, and can compile everything into a downloadable pack.

The documents are based on standard legal forms and include proper citations. However, you should review them carefully and may want a lawyer to check them before filing. They serve as a starting point, not a final legal document.

Yes. The PDFs can be edited with PDF editing software. However, we recommend using the tool's forms to regenerate documents if you need to make changes, as this ensures all information stays consistent.

The Vault is a secure, local storage space for your documents, notes, and payment records. Everything stays on your device. You can scan documents, take notes, and export everything as a ZIP file.

That's normal. You can select 'Not sure' for any question. The tool will still provide guidance based on what you do know. You can always update your answers later or file documents and add details as you learn more.

The tool is designed for German family law. If you're outside Germany, the laws may be different. However, if you have a connection to Germany (e.g., child lives there, German citizenship), the tool may still be relevant.

Safety comes first. The tool includes safety warnings and can help you understand options like supervised contact. If you're in immediate danger, contact local authorities or support services. The tool provides resources for finding help.

Use our Directory feature to search by city and postcode. It includes courts, Jugendämter, mediation services, and legal aid organizations across Berlin, Hamburg, and NRW.