German Guardianship Law
German Guardianship Law
German Guardianship Law
Guardianship Law
Information for
English-speaking Migrants
Word of welcome
As the result of an accident or illness, or because of old age, some people are no longer
in a position to take care of important matters themselves. They need someone who can
represent their interests and rights in dealings with doctors, for example, or public offices
and officials.
The basic principles of legal guardianship are explained in this advice brochure, and the
duties and rights of the care-taking guardians described in some detail. You see, German
guardianship law is complicated. And not all advice centres and facilities are adjusted to
persons with a migration background.
Migrants often dont know which options they actually have, the main reason being that
they are not familiar with German guardianship law. Then again, its difficult for them to
understand the often rather complex legal regulations because their German language
skills arent so good.
This brochure is intended to be both a source of advice and a guide. It takes cultural differences into consideration, and tries to help you to understand the complicated system of
German guardianship law. After all, as far as matters of your personal wealth and welfare
are concerned, nobody can fulfil expectations better than you yourself. Which is why everyone should have the chance to check whether precautionary measures should be taken in
good times for bad times if, indeed, guardianship is necessary at some point.
As well as an illustration of the legal basics, the brochure also contains a detailed description of types of precautionary options, in the shape of advance directives on guardianship,
living wills and powers of attorney. Moreover, it contains a list of the regional drop-in centres, like guardianship authorities and associations, which offer advice and support.
The brochure is published in several languages so that migrants have access to all the
information.
Our thanks go to the Institute for Transcultural Support for developing and publishing this
brochure, which bears in mind the growing need for legal support of persons with a migration background.
Aygl zkan
Bernd Busemann
Foreword
Dear readers,
Ali Trk
Managing Director
Ulrich Whler
Chairman
Ramazan Salman
Deputy Chairman
By publishing this brochure, the Institute for Transcultural Support (Support Association) regd association
(ItB) would like to make a contribution to the integration of migrants and people with a migrant background.
Do you have further questions about advance provision options and legal guardianship? The guardianship associations and agencies, and the local district
courts in your region are happy to advise you. You
will find their addresses in the Annexe.
We would be very glad if this publication has been of
some assistance to you.
Ali Trk, Ulrich Whler , Ramazan Salman
Acknowledgements
For their help in producing this brochure, we would like to express our
heartfelt thanks to:
the public authority for Social Affairs, Family, Health and Consumer
Contents
I)
8
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
18
19
V) List of adresses
20
I)
II)
III)
IV)
I.
The statutory basis for legal guardianship is laid down in Article 1896
of the German Civil Code:
A legal guardianship should only
be set up when a mental illness,
or an emotional, mental or physical disability exists, with the result
that a person is no longer able to
manage his affairs himself. With a
legal guardianship, certain areas of
responsibility are laid down by the
court. A guardianship should only
be in place for as long as is necessary. It is set up for a maximum of
seven years. Upon expiry of this period, at the very latest, the necessity
of the guardianship is re-examined
and a decision made as to whether
it should be rescinded or extended.
In the choice of a guardian, the
wishes of the person concerned are
taken into consideration.
Persons who have a close relationship to the ward have priority as
appointees. If the ward does not
recommend anyone, the judge at
the Guardianship Court looks for
other suitable persons. The guardianship judge will normally ask the
care authorities for a suggestion.
While rendering services in his role
as a carer, the guardian is subject
to the control of the court. The legal guardian represents his ward at
court and out of Court. However, he
must talk through his activities with
the person concerned beforehand.
The wishes of the person con
Mental illnesses
These are understood to be emotional illnesses, as well as emotional disorders, that cannot be
explained physically, yet have
physical causes (for example,
meningitis or brain damage).
Addictive illnesses, depending
on the degree of severity, can
also be considered as mental
illnesses. In addition, neuroses
and personality disorders belong to this group of illnesses.
Mental handicaps
These include the congenital or
acquired impairment of mental
capacity.
Emotional disabilities
Emotional disability is understood to mean permanent impairment, whose original development was a result of a mental
illness. It also includes the mental limitations that come with the
onset of old-age decrepitude.
Physical disabilities
The possibility of obtaining a
legal guardian also arises when
the ability to take care of ones
own affairs is partially lost or
substantially restricted (for instance, in the case of lasting
immobility). The physically disabled can only obtain a legal
guardian by making a personal
application.
and protection of the person concerned, and only within the scope
of a corresponding court decision,
the guardian can decide on his
place of abode (sheltered accommodation, nursing home, own flat
etc.), also against the persons will.
Cancelling the rent contract for the
flat is only possible with permission of the court.
Postal matters
This covers the wards telecommunications, as well as the receipt,
opening and stopping/blocking of
his post.
Decision on the placing and detaining of a person in a secure institution and related compulsory
measures
Under certain circumstances (for
instance, when the danger of substantial self-inflicted injury or suicide exists), a person can be placed
and detained in a secure institution
(for example, in a mental hospital)
or in the secure section of a hospital or nursing home for the elderly. The decision on the necessity
of placing a person in a secure institution can only be taken by the
guardian with the prior approval
of the Guardianship Court. Detention in a secure institution has to
be ended when the presupposition
that gave rise to it no longer applies - for example, when an earlier
risk of suicide no longer exists.
12
1) Voluntary guardians
A voluntary guardian is one that
conducts his duties on a non-occupational basis, which means that
he is reimbursed for his expenses,
but receives no other payment.
There are important prerequisites
for the conduct of guardianship,
including a basic command of the
German language, as well as possessing knowledge of the German
legal and social system. The fol-
2) Self-employed professional
guardians
A professional guardian must have
an appropriate qualification and be
in a position to legally attend to the
needs of the person concerned to
the extent required.
14
As far as the costs of legal proceedings are concerned, there is an asset allowance of 25,000 euros. Persons with assets in excess of this
personal allowance must themselves pay for possible charges, or
for expert medical reports.
II.
Summary
The advance directive on
guardianship is a precautionary
measure.
With an advance directive it
can be laid down who should be
appointed guardian as well as
the wishes he should observe.
The court appoints a guardian
in accordance with the instructions of the person concerned.
15
17
19
V.
List of adresses
Stadt Wolfsburg
Betreuungsstelle im Gesundheitsamt
Rosenweg 1a
38440 Wolfsburg
Tel: 0 53 61/28-20 40
Stadt Wilhelmshaven
Betreuungsstelle
Gkerstrae 68
26384 Wilhelmshaven
Tel: 0 44 21/16-15 66, -15 68, -15 87,
-13 96
2) Rural Districts
Landkreis Ammerland
Betreuungsstelle
Ammerlandallee 12
26655 Westerstede
Tel: 0 44 88/56-31 80, -32 00
Landkreis Aurich
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Extumer Weg 29
26603 Aurich
Tel: 0 49 41/16 53 00
Betreuungsstelle
Neuer Weg 36/37
26506 Norden
Tel: 0 49 41/16 53 70
Landkreis Celle
Betreuungsstelle
Mhlenstrae 2
29221 Celle
Tel: 0 51 41/90 90-206, -205
Landkreis Cloppenburg
Betreuungsbehrde
Eschstrae 29
49661 Cloppenburg
Tel: 0 44 71/15-557
Landkreis Cuxhaven
Betreuungsstelle
Vincent-Lbeck-Strae 2
27474 Cuxhaven
Tel: 0 47 21/591 83 10
Landkreis Diepholz
Betreuungsstelle Syke
Amtshof 3
28857 Syke
Tel: 0 42 42/976-46 67, -46 42
Betreuungsstelle Diepholz
Wellestrae 19-20
49356 Diepholz
Tel: 0 54 41/976-18 12
Landkreis Emsland
Betreuungsstelle
Ordeniederung 1
49716 Meppen
Tel: 0 59 31/44-13 99 oder 44-1408
Auenstelle Lingen
Tel: 05 91/84 33 36
Auenstelle Aschendorf-Hmmling
Tel: 0 49 62/501 31 40
Landkreis Friesland
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Beethovenstrae 1
26441 Jever
Tel: 0 44 61/919-74 30
Landkreis Goslar
Fachbereich Familie, Jugend &
Soziales
Betreuungsstelle
Klubgartenstrae 11
38640 Goslar
Tel: 0 53 21/76-513, -578, -573, -594
Landkreis Helmstedt
Betreuungsstelle
Conringstrae 28
38350 Helmstedt
Tel: 0 53 51/121-24 66, -24 67, -24 68
Landkreis Hameln-Pyrmont
Fachbereich Gesundheit
Betreuungsstelle
Hugenottenstrae 6
31785 Hameln
Tel: 0 51 51/903-51 14
Region Hannover
Team Betreuungsangelegenheiten
Hildesheimer Strae 20
30169 Hannover
Tel: 05 11/616-224 23
Landkreis Hildesheim
Betreuungsstelle
Ludolfingerstrae 2
31137 Hildesheim
Tel: 0 51 21/309-42 71, -42 82, -42 81
Landkreis Gifhorn
Betreuungsstelle
Schloplatz 1
38518 Gifhorn
Tel: 0 53 71/82-552
Landkreis Harburg
Betreuungsstelle
Schloplatz 6
21423 Winsen (Luhe)
Tel: 0 41 71/693-434
Landkreis Holzminden
Betreuungsstelle
Brgermeister-Schrader-Strae 24
37603 Holzminden
Tel: 0 55 31/707-331
21
Landkreis Leer
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Jahnstrae 4
26789 Leer
Tel: 04 91/9 26-11 30, -11 31
Landkreis Lchow-Dannenberg
Betreuungsstelle
Knigsberger Strae 10
29439 Lchow
Tel: 0 58 41/120-477
Landkreis Lneburg
Betreuungsstelle
Auf dem Michaeliskloster 4
21335 Lneburg
Tel: 0 41 31/26-14 00
Landkreis Nienburg
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Triemerstrae 17
31582 Nienburg (Weser)
Tel: 0 50 21/967-944, -943, -953, -936
Landkreis Northeim
Betreuungsstelle
Medenheimer Strae 6/8
37154 Northeim
Tel: 0 55 51/708-268
Landkreis Osterode
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Abgunst 7
37520 Osterode am Harz
Tel: 0 55 22/960-552 oder -553
Landkreis Osterholz
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Heimstrae 1-3
27711 Osterholz-Scharmbeck
Tel: 0 47 91/930-155
Landkreis Oldenburg
Betreuungsstelle
Delmenhorster Strae 6
27793 Wildeshausen
Tel: 0 44 31/85-202
22
Landkreis Osnabrck
Betreuungsstelle
Am Schlerberg 1
49082 Osnabrck
Tel: 05 41/501-30 38, -34 38
Landkreis Peine
Betreuungsstelle
Burgstrae 1
31224 Peine
Tel: 0 51 71/401-12 13, -12 14
Landkreis Rotenburg
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Bahnhofstrae 15
27356 Rotenburg (Wmme)
Tel: 0 42 61/983-32 74
Gesundheitsamt Bremervrde
Betreuungsstelle
Amtsallee 4
27432 Bremervrde
Tel: 0 47 61/983-52 25
Landkreis Schaumburg
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Probsthger Strae 6
31655 Stadthagen
Tel: 0 57 21/97 58-39
Landkreis Soltau-Fallingbostel
Betreuungsstelle
Vogteistrae 17
29683 Bad Fallingbostel
Tel: 0 51 62/970-371
Landkreis Stade
Betreuungsstelle
Heckenweg 7
21680 Stade
Tel: 0 41 41/12-711, -740, -741,
-742, -743
Landkreis Uelzen
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Auf dem Rahlande 15
29525 Uelzen
Tel: 05 81/82-468, -459, -470
Landkreis Vechta
Betreuungsstelle
Ravensberger Strae 20
49377 Vechta
Tel: 0 44 41/898-20 30
Landkreis Verden
Betreuungsstelle
Lindhooper Strae 67
27283 Verden (Aller)
Tel: 0 42 31/15-519 oder -537
Landkreis Wesermarsch
Betreuungsstelle
Rnnelstrae 10
26919 Brake
Tel: 0 44 01/927-520
Landkreis Wittmund
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Dohuser Weg 12
26409 Wittmund
Tel: 0 44 62/86-15 01
Landkreis Wolfenbttel
Gesundheitsamt
Betreuungsstelle
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Strae 2a
38302 Wolfenbttel
Tel: 0 53 31/84-178, -179, -281, -283
State-recognised Guardianship
Associations in Lower Saxony
Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen
Bersenbrck e.V.
Brgermeister-Kreke-Strae 3
49593 Bersenbrck
Tel: 0 54 39/17 73
Betreuungsverein Institut fr
Persnliche Hilfe e.V.
Bruchtorwall 9-11
38100 Braunschweig
Tel: 05 31/25 64 30
Betreuungsverein der
Arbeiterwohlfahrt
Kreisverband Rotenburg e.V.
Neues Feld 50
27432 Bremervrde
Tel: 0 47 61/80 89-65, -70
Betreuungsverein Der Anker e.V.
Fritzenwiese 117
29221 Celle
Tel: 0 51 41/992 91-60
Betreuungsverein des
Caritasverbandes
Celle Stadt und Land e.V.
Bullenberg 6
29221 Celle
Tel: 0 51 41/75 08-20
Sozialverband Deutschland
Betreuungsverein Celle e.V.
Wehlstrae 29
29221 Celle
Tel: 0 51 41/90-10 27, -70 02
Betreuungsverein Cloppenburg e.V.
Molberger Strae 21
49661 Cloppenburg
Tel: 0 44 71/91 30-0
Betreuungsverein Delmenhorst e.V.
Lahusenstrae 9
27749 Delmenhorst
Tel: 0 42 21/5 38 64
23
Arbeitslosenselbsthilfe
Jahnstrae 2
26789 Leer
Tel: 04 91/9 25 09 78
Betreuungsverein der
AWO Region Hannover e.V.
Deisterstrae 85 A
30449 Hannover
Tel: 05 11/21 97 8-167
Sozialdienst katholischer
Frauen Lingen e.V.
Bgenstrae 12
49808 Lingen
Tel: 05 91/8 00 62-0
Institut fr transkulturelle
Betreuung (BtV) e.V.
Freundallee 25
30173 Hannover
Tel: 05 11/59 09 20-0
n Auenstelle Braunschweig
Hannoversche Strae 41
38116 Braunschweig
Tel.: 0531/580 865-0
Diakonischer Betreuungsverein
Hannover e.V.
Zeistrae 10
30519 Hannover
Tel: 05 11/2 20 01 70-0
24
AWO Betreuungsverein
Lchow-Dannenberg e.V.
Probsteikamp 12
29451 Dannenberg
Tel: 0 58 61/98 55 90
Betreuungsverein Lneburg e.V.
Auf dem Wstenort 45
21335 Lneburg
Tel: 0 41 31/7 89 58-0
Sozialdienst katholischer
Frauen Meppen e.V.
Nagelshof 21b
49716 Meppen
Tel: 0 59 31/9 84 10
Sozialdienst katholischer
Mnner Emsland Mitte e.V.
Margaretenstrae 23
49716 Meppen
Tel: 0 59 31/9 31 10
Sozialdienst katholischer
Frauen Osnabrck e.V.
Johannisstrae 91
49074 Osnabrck
Tel: 05 41/3 38 76 10
Betreuungsverein Nienburg
Bismarckstrae 11
31582 Nienburg
Tel: 0 50 21/9 22 49 90
Sozialdienst katholischer
Mnner Osnabrck e.V.
Alte Poststrae 11
49074 Osnabrck
Tel: 05 41/3 31 44-0
Sozialdienst katholischer
Frauen/Mnner Papenburg e.V.
Gutshofstrae 46
26871 Papenburg
Tel: 0 49 61/6 60 78-0
Peiner Betreuungsverein e.V.
Echternplatz 19/20
31224 Peine
Tel: 0 51 71/5 08 14-11
Sozialdienst katholischer
Frauen/Mnner Artland e.V.
Schiphorst 23
49610 Quakenbrck
Tel: 0 54 31/22 68
Betreuungsverein Salzgitter e.V.
St. Andreas-Weg 2
38226 Salzgitter
Tel: 0 53 41/88 88-13
Betreuungsverein Schaumburg e.V.
Brries-von-Mnchhausen-Weg 2
31737 Rinteln
Tel: 0 57 51/91 81 11
Betreuungsverein
im Landkreis Stade e.V.
Harsefelder Strae 22
21680 Stade
Tel: 0 41 41/60 00 90-0
Betreuungsverein der AWO
Todtglsinger Strae 22
21255 Tostedt
Tel: 0 41 82/29 35 97
25
Anderland e.V.
Betreuungsverein
Von-Somnitz-Ring 5
21423 Winsen (Luhe)
Tel: 0 41 71/6 44 44
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz
Mhlenstrae 27a
26409 Wittmund
Tel: 0 44 62/86 15 21
Wolfsburger Betreuungsverein e.V.
Seilerstrae 6
38440 Wolfsburg
Tel: 0 53 61/27 87-0
Freundeskreis Betreuungsverein e.V.
Langestrae 47
31515 Wunstorf
Tel: 0 50 31/6 86 99
Lebenshilfe
Betreuungsverein Wunstorf e.V.
Moritzstrae 3
31515 Wunstorf
Tel: 0 50 31/91 41 91
n Auenstelle Neustadt am
Rbenberge
Schtzenplatz 2
31535 Neustadt
Tel: 0 50 32/912 67 77
ub
y):
Erstellt von:
Ali Trk & Jessica Bussler
Institut fr transkulturelle
Betreuung (Betreuungsverein) e.V.
Freundallee 25
30173 Hannover
In Zusammenarbeit mit:
Ethno-Medizinisches Zentrum e.V.
Knigstr. 6
30175 Hannover
Gefrdert durch:
Nds. Ministerium fr Soziales, Frauen,
Familie, Gesundheit und Integration
Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf-Platz 2
30159 Hannover
Nds. Justizministerium
Am Waterlooplatz 1
30169 Hannover
Niederschsisches Ministerium
fr Soziales, Frauen, Familie,
Gesundheit und Integration
Niederschsisches
Justizministerium
h (handed t
o yo
t d u rc
eich
err
b