Separation, Divorce & a New Beginning

Going through a separation or divorce in Germany - but struggling with the language and the legal system?

German family law is complex even for native speakers. For expats, international couples, and non-native German speakers, it can feel overwhelming. Legal terms like Zugewinnausgleich, Versorgungsausgleich, Trennungsjahr, or Scheidungsfolgenvereinbarung are difficult to understand - let alone act on - when German is not your first language.

This book closes the gap between German divorce law and the English language.

Instead of spending weeks piecing together information from German-language websites, legal portals, and bureaucratic forms, you get everything in one place: organized, accessible, and written for people who need reliable orientation.

What this book does for you:

Explains the entire German divorce process from start to finish in English

• Breaks down key legal concepts: separation year (Trennungsjahr), divorce petition (Scheidungsantrag), equalization of gains (Zugewinnausgleich), pension equalization (Versorgungsausgleich), and post-marital maintenance (nachehelicher Unterhalt)
• Covers the marital home, finances, bank accounts, insurance, taxes, and name changes under German law
• Dedicated chapters on children during separation, co-parenting communication, and emotional coping
• Addresses special situations: self-employed individuals, international marriages, hardship divorce, mediation, patchwork families, unmarried couples, real estate, debt, and more
• Includes checklists, a glossary of German legal terms with English explanations, and links to official institutions

What is covered:

Part I - Introduction: Why this book? / Common misconceptions about divorce in Germany Part II - Safety and Protection: Violence, coercive control, and threats

Part III - The Separation Phase: First steps / Separation year / Marital home / Children / Finances / Digital separation

Part IV - Divorce Proceedings: Filing for divorce / Zugewinnausgleich / Versorgungsausgleich / Maintenance / Settlement agreement Part V - After the Divorce: Insurance / Taxes / Assets and debts / Name changes

Part VI - Special Topics: International marriages / Self-employed / Hardship divorce / Mediation / Patchwork families / Domestic violence / Real estate / Residence permits / LGBTQIA+ / Inheritance / And more

Part VII - Emotional Coping: Dealing with stress / Strengthening children

Appendix: Checklists / Glossary / Official links and resources

Who is this book for?

Anyone going through - or considering - a separation or divorce in Germany who finds it difficult to navigate the process in German. Whether you are an expat, an international spouse, or simply more comfortable reading in English. For married couples and registered partnerships, with or without children.

Why an English-language guide to German divorce law?

German legal texts, court forms, and official correspondence are written in formal German that is challenging even for advanced speakers. Misunderstanding a deadline or a financial obligation can have serious consequences. This book does not replace legal advice - but it equips you to understand your situation, ask the right questions, and communicate more effectively with your lawyer.

Legal Notice: This book provides general information on separation and divorce under German family law. It does not constitute individual legal advice. All legal references reflect the status of German law as of March 2026. For assessments, consult a specialist lawyer for family law (Fachanwalt für Familienrecht) in Germany.