Family Law Comparative Guide

1 Legislative framework

1.1 Which main sources of laws and regulations govern matrimonial and family law matters – including, but not limited to, divorce, judicial separation, children's matters and financial matters arising from the breakdown of marriage – in your jurisdiction?

Family law is mainly governed:

• by the fourth book of the Civil Code; and
• procedurally, by the Act on Proceedings in Family Matters of Non-contentious Jurisdiction.

1.2 Which bilateral or multinational instruments have application in this regard in your jurisdiction?

EU regulations: Germany is a party to the following EU regulations:

• the Brussels IIb Regulation, which governs international jurisdiction within the European Union regarding divorce and parental authority;