Contact with the child is being denied? Your rights
After the separation, the other parent will not let you see your child anymore? Contact rights are protected by law, and in the interest of the child. You do not have to accept the refusal.
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What you should do now
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1. Seek dialogue
First try an amicable arrangement. In the child's interest, that is almost always the best path.
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2. Involve the youth welfare office
The youth welfare office advises and mediates between the parents free of charge (counseling under § 18 SGB VIII).
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3. Turn to the family court
If contact remains denied, you can apply to the family court for a contact arrangement.
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4. Enforcement
If the other parent does not comply with the court's arrangement, coercive measures or a contact guardianship are possible.
Frequently asked questions
May contact with my child be denied to me?
Generally no. The child has a right to contact with both parents, and both parents are entitled and obliged to have contact (§ 1684 BGB). A restriction is only permitted to protect the child's welfare, a refusal without reason is not.
What can I do if the mediation fails?
Then you can apply to the family court for a contact arrangement. The court sets the scope and terms. If the arrangement is disregarded, it can be enforced with coercive measures or a contact guardianship can be set up. The youth welfare office supports throughout the proceedings.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.