Suggest appointment as guardian

You can take on voluntary guardianship if the child's biological parents cannot or are not allowed to exercise parental custody. This may be the case, for example, if:

• the mother of the child is herself a minor
• parental custody is suspended or has been withdrawn by a court
• the parents of the child are deceased
• the parents of so-called foundlings cannot be identified
• underage refugees living unaccompanied in Germany

The guardianship exists alternatively until:

• when the child comes of age
• on the resumption of parental custody
• to an adoption

As a guardian, you basically have the same rights and obligations as parents. You represent the child legally. However, you must obtain approval from the family court for certain decisions, for example:

• Conclusion of a training or employment contract for longer than one year
• Moving abroad

If necessary, select suitable accommodation for the child, for example:

• in a foster family
• in an assisted living apartment
• in a home
• in your own household

The guardian for a child is appointed by the family court. You can request your appointment as guardian, especially if you have a relationship with the child, for example:

• as a grandmother or grandfather
• as an aunt or uncle
• as another family member

They can also assume guardianship together as spouses or as partnered persons.

Your work is supported and monitored by the family court. As a guardian, you report regularly to the family court about the child and the use of the child's money. You should meet the child in person at least once a month.