Custody - applying for transfer and withdrawal

In divorce proceedings, the court responsible for the divorce also decides on custody if one parent requests the transfer of custody. In this case, the matter is part of the divorce proceedings.

A parent can also apply for custody to be transferred without divorce proceedings. This is possible if the parents are not only temporarily separated.

The family court can also withdraw custody ex officio. In most cases, such proceedings are initiated on the basis of suggestions or information from third parties, for example the youthwelfare office or people close to the child.

Parents may agree on who should be awarded custody. The family court then usually grants the application for transfer of custody.
However, a child over the age of 14 can object to this agreement.

If the parents disagree, the court will examine which solution is in the best interests of the child. Firstly, a hearing is scheduled.

The parents and the child as well as other parties involved are heard (separately). The family court judge obtains a comprehensive overview of the child's family situation.
The court may also involve experts for this purpose.
The results of the hearing and , if applicable, the expert's recommendation are incorporated into the court's decision.

Note: The court can appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor child. This person also represents the child's interests vis-à-vis the parents.

Young people aged 14 and over can lodge an appeal against a decision independently.