Mandate and role
The German family court appoints a Verfahrensbeistand under sections 158 et seq. FamFG. The child advocate is a party to the proceedings and is solely committed to the child’s interests. The role is not that of a parent’s lawyer, expert witness, contact supervisor or therapist.
- Explain the purpose and stages of the proceedings to the child
- Meet the child and, where required, parents and other relevant persons
- Identify the child’s wishes, needs, relationships and sources of strain
- Present the child’s interests to the court orally and in writing
- Support a workable child-focused solution where this serves the child’s interests
How I work
Conversations are adapted to the child’s age, development, language and current situation. The child should understand who I am, what I may communicate and where confidentiality has limits. Statements, observations and professional assessment are clearly separated.
- Prompt contact after appointment
- Meetings at a familiar place, at the office or by video where appropriate
- Clear reports to the court and attendance at hearings
- Communication in German, Romanian and English
For parents
The child advocate does not decide the parents’ dispute. The task is to make the child’s perspective visible and protect the child from pressure to choose, excessive responsibility and repeated questioning.