Language: Katharina Dellschau englisch    

My Profession

A quick Outline

When is a guardian ad litem / contact guardian appointed?

Children often become the helpless object of dispute in family proceedings. They quickly get caught between the fronts of the and in conflicts of loyalty. The involvement of a guardian ad litem usually takes place when

  • the interest of the child is in significant conflict with its parents
  • a separation of the child from the parents is considered due to endangerment of the child's well-being
  • there is to be a separation of the child from the person in whose care he/she is
  • it is a question of handing over the child
  • the exclusion or a substantial restriction of the right of access / visitation is being considered

As of 01.09.2009, the legal figure of the guardian ad litem according to § 50 FGG was replaced by the guardian ad litem according to § 158 FamFG.

The law contains the obligation of the court to appoint a suitable guardian ad litem if the criterion of necessity is met.

In this function, I support the court in its task of guaranteeing the child's fundamental position of the child protected by fundamental rights.

Verfahrnsbeistand Tätigkeiten

Advocate of the Child

I arrange home visits with the parents, but also talk to the child individually. During the home visits I observe the interaction of the child with the respective parent and the interaction of the other siblings. It is important that that the child feels taken seriously. For the duration of the proceedings, I am the child's contact person and try to influence it, that the child is burdened as little as possible by the proceedings.

As a guardian ad litem and so-called "lawyer of the child", I investigate and represent the subjective and objective interests of the child in family court proceedings. I accompany the child or adolescent through the proceedings by representing his or her point of view, taking into account his or her wishes and needs and explaining the subject matter of the proceedings and the current situation in an age-appropriate way.

If necessary, I prepare the child for court hearings and appointments and, if necessary, also accompany the child to court appointments and hearings.

The follow-up of the proceedings is also in my responsibility.

Depending on the case, I also have conversations with the parents or other caregivers of the child (siblings, grandparents, educators, caregivers, staff of the youth welfare office, experts, etc.), foster carers, staff of the youth welfare office, experts, etc.).