Category Archives: Family Law
10 FAQ on Freedom of Movement in the EU
As part of my very popular series of legal FAQ, I now address a subject which can often help to resolve immigration cases which seem hopeless under national immigration law: the right to freedom of movement within the EU. Before … Continue reading
ECJ ruling on asylum for homosexuals
On 7 November 2013 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that homosexual asylum seekers in the EU are protected as a “social group” under the Asylum Qualification Directive (Directive 2004/83/EC) and that EU member states have to grant asylum if … Continue reading
New Child Custody Law in Germany (May 2013)
(This is an update to my FAQ about child custody law in Germany.) For a long time, child custody in Germany was automatically awarded to the mother of the child if the parents were not married at the time of … Continue reading
The Law can’t Mend a Broken Heart
The law can do a lot. Lawyers can do even more, especially a hot-shot-lawyer like myself. But there is one thing that even I can’t do: I can’t force people to love you or to be faithful. Read this request … Continue reading
FAQ on Child Custody Law in Germany
I noticed that I receive many e-mails with the same questions, so I have started to post the most frequent questions – and of course the answers to them – for everyone to read. For free, can you believe that?! As … Continue reading
How to prevent Same-Sex Marriage
Churches, Conservatives, commentators, advocacy groups, politicians, media outlets and other concerned citizens are using all means possible to stop same-sex marriage from becoming legal. They use public information campaigns, they pray, they petition parliaments and file lawsuits in state and … Continue reading
Malta, the Paradise for Victims of Domestic Violence
8 of March was International Women’s Day. I don’t think much of it, because I am anything but a feminist and because on the other hand I think the legitimate grievances by women (for example in Iran or Saudi Arabia) … Continue reading
More Pestering Questions from the Philippines
Despite being on sabbatical from working as a lawyer, I sometimes volunteer to give advice about German law. Some people think that they can approach a lawyer and are entitled to an answer to their questions. They are wrong. One year ago, I wrote about … Continue reading
Death to the dictator, and one more wife for me please!
I am happy for Libyans that they have toppled, with just a bit of help from NATO, the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi. Many Libyans have shown great courage and resilience which may serve as an example to other oppressed peoples in … Continue reading
10 FAQ on Inheritance Law in Germany – updated 2023
I have noticed that I receive many e-mails with the same questions, so I have begun to post the most frequent questions – and of course the answers to them – for everyone to read. For free, can you believe that?! … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 