Marriage brings significant legal obligations that many couples only become aware of when a dispute arises. Ms. Hannke therefore places particular emphasis on early-stage legal advice — covering maintenance obligations, matrimonial property arrangements, and the drafting of prenuptial agreements (Eheverträge). These contracts can be tailored to set out the couple’s chosen matrimonial property regime, provide for pension rights equalization (Versorgungsausgleich), and establish individual arrangements for asset division and maintenance entitlements.

She brings specialist knowledge to advising binational couples. Where spouses hold different nationalities, different legal systems come into contact — with implications for the applicable matrimonial property law, immigration and residency status, the recognition of foreign decisions, and questions of international jurisdiction in divorce proceedings. Ms. Hannke guides clients through international family law matters and develops legally sound solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Family law disputes are rarely purely legal in nature — they touch on fundamental areas of life and frequently involve significant emotional pressure. With a practice-oriented approach, clear communication, and sensitivity to the personal difficulties that family law matters can bring, Ms. Hannke provides clients with capable, grounded support in situations that are both legally and personally demanding.

Separation and Divorce: Guidance Through Every Stage

Ms. Hannke guides clients through every phase of separation and divorce proceedings — from the initial consultation and filing of the petition to the final resolution of all ancillary matters. Her advisory services include:

• Spousal maintenance and child maintenance,
• Division of assets (Zugewinnausgleich) and property settlement,
• Pension rights equalization (Versorgungsausgleich),
• Arrangements regarding the matrimonial home and household contents,
• Drafting and reviewing prenuptial agreements and separation agreements.

The aim is always a legally secure and forward-looking outcome — particularly where children are involved. Ms. Hannke represents clients both out of court and in proceedings before the German family courts (Familiengerichte).

Divorce in Entrepreneurial Marriages: Complex Asset Structures

Divorces involving business assets place particular demands on legal counsel. Ms. Hannke supports entrepreneurs, the self-employed, and high-net-worth individuals in resolving complex asset structures in divorce. The key issues addressed include:

• Company valuation in the event of divorce,
• Division of business assets,
• Contractual protection of the business,
• Disclosure obligations and information rights of the spouses.

Throughout the process, Ms. Hannke ensures that the legal proceedings do not compromise the business’s financial substance.

Custody and Contact Rights: In the Best Interests of the Child

In matters of child custody and contact rights (Umgangsrecht), the welfare of the child is central to every decision. Ms. Hannke represents parents in proceedings before the family court and works toward solutions that serve the child’s needs without losing sight of her clients’ legitimate interests.

The wish to have a child raises complex legal questions. Those who are unable to conceive naturally may explore alternatives such as adoption, artificial insemination, or surrogacy. Ms. Hannke advises on the legal framework governing reproductive medicine in Germany, on questions of legal parenthood in cases involving sperm or egg donation, and on the requirements and legal consequences of surrogacy arrangements abroad. She supports clients in gaining early clarity on the legal implications of their decisions and in proceeding on a secure legal footing.