Assistance

The parent with whom the child lives can apply to the Child and Youth Welfare Service for the establishment of a guardianship. The tasks of the guardianship include the following

• Establishing the paternity of a child born outside marriage
• Counselling of child mothers and fathers on the legal issues of custody declarations
• Calculation and certification of the child's maintenance claim
• Judicial assertion of this maintenance claim for minor children

The establishment of a guardianship is voluntary and free of charge. It begins with the receipt of a written application by the youth welfare office.
The establishment of guardianship is possible even before the birth of the child. There is no restriction of parental care as a result.
The assistance can be terminated in writing at any time. It ends when the child reaches the age of 18. However, the Child and Youth Welfare Service can advise and support young adults up to the age of 21 in matters of maintenance.