Family Lawyer for NATO Soldiers and Spouses in Germany

There are a multitude of inherent complexities within German family law that can be even more challenging for NATO soldiers and their spouses due to their distinct circumstances. These individuals are often based far from their home countries, have limited knowledge of the German language and are often faced with cross-border legal matters.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of these challenges and the expertise to provide tailored legal solutions that address the specific needs of NATO soldiers and their spouses. Our commitment is to ensure that their legal rights and interests are safeguarded with the utmost care and professionalism, regardless of the complexities posed by their unique circumstances.

An area of importance for NATO soldiers and spouses involves issues relating to international marriages. Due to the nature of the work, NATO soldiers will often be engaged in international marriages, marrying individuals from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Questions may arise regarding the recognition of these marriages in both the host country (Germany, for instance) and the home country of the NATO soldier. This can have implications for issues such as inheritance, property, and divorce. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, as a full-service law firm we advise on all matters relating to divorce, inheritance law, real estate law and more.

Deployments: One of the hallmarks of military life is the frequent deployment of NATO soldiers to different countries. This dynamic can have profound effects on family life, including child custody, spousal support, and property division issues. Legal arrangements must be made to address these unique situations, ensuring the rights and well-being of all family members are protected during deployments.

Cross-Border Issues: Family law cases involving NATO soldiers often involve cross-border complexities. Child custody disputes may involve multiple jurisdictions, requiring legal expertise to determine which country’s laws apply and which courts have jurisdiction. Similarly, dividing assets and property acquired across different countries can be legally intricate. Additionally, spousal support calculations may involve navigating international treaties and agreements.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we are an internationally oriented law firm, and we work with clients worldwide in their dealings with German family law. Combining our global outlook with our deep expertise in German family law we are well-equipped to provide the guidance and support necessary to contend with these complexities effectively.

With expertise in international family law, Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte provides our clients with assistance in various areas, including divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, spousal support matters, and property division cases. These services are designed to ensure that NATO members and their spouses receive the legal guidance and advocacy necessary to address their specific challenges effectively.

In divorce cases, we guide clients through the intricate process, considering the international aspects that may be involved. Our experienced family law attorneys understand the intricacies of divorce proceedings, especially when they involve international marriages. We guide our clients through the legal processes, ensuring their rights and interests are protected at every stage.

In such divorce cases, our expertise in the area of asset and property division extends to handling assets acquired across different countries. These assets and properties may be personal or business assets, and our firm offers expert guidance in these cases. Our team is ready to analyse marriage contracts/prenuptial agreements and outline the options to the different spouses based on those agreements.

For child custody matters, our legal team understands the complexities arising from deployments and frequent relocations, working to establish arrangements that prioritise the best interests of the children. Furthermore, such expertise extends to matters of child access, child support and alimony payments. Regarding spousal support, we navigate international treaties and agreements to ensure equitable outcomes.

Due to the specific dynamics of such families, we understand that cultural sensitivity is paramount, especially when dealing with clients from diverse backgrounds. Our legal professionals are adept at managing the unique cultural dynamics that may influence family law matters. Furthermore, we offer multilingual support to ensure clear and effective communication with all clients, including those who may not be proficient in German.

Family law cases involving NATO members present unique challenges due to their international dimension. These cases are characterised by complex legal considerations that extend beyond national borders. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we recognise the significance of effectively understanding and addressing these international aspects.

The involvement of multiple countries in NATO membership and the international deployment of soldiers often means that family law cases can trigger the application of international treaties and conventions.

For instance, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction plays a critical role in cross-border child custody disputes. The Convention is an international treaty that addresses child custody disputes with an international dimension. It was established to provide a framework for the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence, ensuring their protection and the resolution of custody matters through the appropriate legal channels. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with cases of child custody and access involving international dimensions. They will outline the legal options available to our clients that prioritise the child’s best interests and ensure that you will have justice in your case.

Jurisdictional Issues:

Determining which country’s legal system has jurisdiction over a family law case can be a complex undertaking, particularly for NATO members who may relocate frequently due to deployments. Jurisdictional challenges can affect divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, spousal support matters, and property division cases. Resolving conflicts of laws arising from different jurisdictions requires in-depth knowledge and expertise.

Furthermore, it can sometimes be challenging to have family court judgments made in other jurisdictions recognised in Germany. Different countries have varying family laws, rules, and procedures. When a judgment is issued in one jurisdiction, it may not align with German family law. Determining how the foreign judgment should be applied in Germany can be challenging, primarily when conflicts exist between the legal systems. Our team is ready to advise you regarding the steps involved in recognising and enforcing such judgments in Germany.