Parental Custody After Separation or Divorce

Table Of Contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• About the editors
• About the book
• This eBook can be cited
• Acknowledgements
• List of Abbreviations
• 1 Introduction
• 1.1 Research Background
• 1.2 Current Research Status
• 1.3 Structure of the Thesis
• 2 Historical Development of the Legal Concept ‘Parental Custody’
• 2.1 Before the Implementation of the BGB
• 2.1.1 Ancient Roman Law (753 B.C.-​A.D. 476)
• 2.1.2 From the Early Modern Era to the End of 19th Century
• 2.2 Milestone Reforms to the Laws on Parental Custody Since the BGB of 1900
• 2.2.1 The BGB of 1900
• 2.2.2 Law of the Equal Rights Between Men and Women
• 2.2.3 First Reform Law on Marriage and Family of 14 June 1976
• 2.2.4 Reform of Parental Custody Act of 18 July 1979
• 2.2.5 Reform of Parents and Child Act of 1 July 1998
• 2.2.5.1 Background of the Reform
• 2.2.5.2 Main Content of the Reform
• 2.2.6 Reform of Act of Parental Custody of the Unmarried Parents of 19 May 2013
• 2.2.6.1 Background of the Reform
• 2.2.6.2 Main Content of the Reform
• 2.3 Current Applicable Laws
• 2.3.1 Domestic Laws
• 2.3.1.1 Basic Law (GG)
• 2.3.1.2 BGB
• 2.3.1.3 FamFG
• 2.3.1.4 Book VIII of Code of Social Law
• 2.3.2 International Laws and Conventions, Regulations of EU
• 2.3.2.1 Convention on the Rights of the Child
• 2.3.2.2 Child Protection Convention of Hague Conference
• 2.3.2.3 European Convention on Human Rights
• 2.3.2.4 Brussels IIa
• 2.4 Summary
• 3 An Overview of the Legal Concept of ‘Parental Custody’
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.1.1 Concept of ‘Parental Custody’
• 3.1.2 Legal Nature
• 3.1.2.1 Right or Duty?
• 3.1.2.2 Public or Private?
• 3.1.2.3 Summary
• 3.1.3 Types of Parental Custody
• 3.1.3.1 Care for the Person and Care for the Property
• 3.1.3.2 Joint and Sole Parental Custody
• a) Joint Parental Custody
• b) Sole Parental Custody
• 3.1.4 Comparison with Other Legal Terms
• 3.1.4.1 Parental Responsibility
• 3.1.4.2 Guardianship, Legal Care and Curatorship
• 3.2 Care for the Person
• 3.2.1 Content
• 3.2.2 Limitation to Parental Custody
• 3.2.2.1 Objectives of Parenting
• 3.2.2.2 Limitation to Rights of Parents
• a) Avoidance of Violence Abuse
• b) Consideration of the Growing Independence of the Child
• aa) Abortion
• bb) Religion
• c) Supervision of State Authorities
• 3.2.3 Duration, Suspension and Deprivation
• 3.2.3.1 Duration
• 3.2.3.2 Suspension
• a) Legal Hindrance
• aa) Incapacity of Contracting in § 1673 BGB
• bb) Confidential Birth in § 1674a BGB
• b) Actual Hindrance (de facto) in § 1674 BGB
• c) Legal Consequences of Suspension
• 3.2.3.3 Deprivation
• 3.2.4 Limitation of Liability (§ 1664 BGB)
• 3.3 Principle of the Best Interests of the Child
• 3.3.1 Introduction
• 3.3.2 Evolution of Evaluation Criteria
• 3.3.2.1 Era of Gender Bias
• 3.3.2.2 Priority of the Parent Without Fault
• 3.3.2.3 Doctrine of Primary Caretaker and Tender Years Preference
• 3.3.2.4 Principle of the Best Interests of the Child
• 3.3.3 In German Law
• 3.3.3.1 Introduction
• 3.3.3.2 Application Scope of This Principle
• 3.3.3.3 Criteria to Evaluate the Best Interests of the Child
• a) Capability of Parents
• b) Connection of the Child
• c) Will of the Child
• d) Principle of Continuity
• e) An Example of Case-​Law
• aa) Legal Facts
• bb) Application of Criteria to Evaluate the Best Interests of the Child
• 3.3.3.4 Conclusion
• 4 Parental Custody for the Child Born in Wedlock
• 4.1 Joinder of Divorce Proceedings and Ancillary Proceedings
• 4.2 Determination of the Residence of the Child
• 4.2.1 Residence Model (Residenzmodell)
• 4.2.2 Nest Model (Nestmodell)
• 4.2.3 Switching Model (Wechselmodell)
• 4.2.3.1 Introduction
• a) Definition
• b) Precondition
• 4.2.3.2 Legal Issues in Dispute
• a) As a General Rule?
• b) Against Will of Parents?
• c) In Custody or Contact Proceedings?
• d) Positive Application of the Best Interests of the Child
• e) Current View of the BGH
• 4.2.3.3 Problems in Practice
• a) Physical Feasibility
• b) Registration of Primary Residence
• c) Payment of Child Support
• 4.3 Exercise of Joint Parental Custody After Separation
• 4.3.1 Introduction
• 4.3.1.1 Scope of Application
• 4.3.1.2 Distinction Between Matters of Everyday Life and of Significant Importance
• 4.3.2 Decision in Matters of Everyday Life of the Child
• 4.3.3 Decision Concerning Matters of Great Importance for the Child
• 4.3.3.1 Matters of Great Importance
• a) School Issues
• b) Healthcare
• aa) Vaccination
• bb) Circumcision of Male Children
• c) Religion
• d) Trip Abroad
• 4.3.3.2 Court Decision in Case of Dissent Between Parents
• 4.4 Right of Contact
• 4.4.1 Introduction
• 4.4.1.1 Legal Basis (§ 1626 III and § 1684 BGB)
• 4.4.1.2 Legal Nature
• a) Right and Duty of Parents
• b) Right of the Child
• 4.4.1.3 Ways and Place to Exercise Right of Contact
• 4.4.2 Between Parents
• 4.4.2.1 Cooperative Behaviour Obligation in § 1684 II BGB
• a) Cooperative Behaviour Obligation of the Resident Parent
• b) Cooperative Behaviour Obligation of the Non-​resident Parent
• c) Claim for Compensation
• d) Expenditure out of Right of Contact
• 4.4.2.2 Right to Demand Information on Personal Circumstances of the Child
• 4.4.3 Court Orders by the Family Court
• 4.4.3.1 Arrangement of the Contact by Court (§ 1684 III BGB)
• a) Criteria
• b) Appointment of a Contact Supervisor (§ 1684 III 3 BGB)
• 4.4.3.2 Restriction and Exclusion of Right of Contact (§ 1684 IV BGB)
• a) Principle of Proportionality
• b) Accompanied Contact
• aa) General Rules
• bb) Presence of a Third Party
• cc) Comparison with Contact Supervisor
• 4.4.3.3 No Compulsion for the Child to Have Contact with Parents
• 4.4.4 Administrative Means of Coercion and Enforcement in §§ 89, 90 FamFG
• 4.4.4.1 Two Means of Coercion
• 4.4.4.2 Principle of Proportionality
• 4.4.4.3 Enforcement in § 90 FamFG
• 4.4.5 Need for Further Reform
• 4.4.5.1 Stricter Burden of Proof
• 4.4.5.2 More Punitive Measures
• 4.4.5.3 More Effective Legal Protection
• 4.5 Transfer from Joint Parental Custody to Sole Parental Custody According to § 1671 I BGB After Separation
• 4.5.1 Introduction
• 4.5.2 § 1671 I 2 Nr. 1 BGB
• 4.5.3 § 1671 I 2 Nr. 2 BGB
• 4.5.3.1 Examination of Withdrawal of Joint Parental Custody
• 4.5.3.2 Examination of Transfer of Sole Parental Custody
• 5 Parental Custody for the Child Born Out of Wedlock
• 5.1 Historical Development of the Legal Status of the ‘Illegitimate’ Child
• 5.1.1 Before the Entry into Force of the BGB
• 5.1.2 From 1 January 1900 to 23 May 1949
• 5.1.3 Since the Entry into Force of the Basic Law
• 5.1.3.1 Revision of Family Law of 11 August 1961
• 5.1.3.2 Act on Children Born Out of Wedlock of 19 August 1969
• 5.1.3.3 Reform of Parental Custody Act of 18 July 1979
• 5.1.3.4 Reform of Parents and Child Act of 1 July 1998
• 5.1.3.5 Reform of Act of Parental Custody of the Unmarried Parents of 19 May 2013
• 5.1.3.6 Act to Strengthen Rights of the Biological but not the Legal Father
• 5.1.4 Conclusion
• 5.2 Types of Parental Custody of Children Born Out of Wedlock
• 5.2.1 Sole Parental Custody of the Mother in § 1626a III BGB
• 5.2.2 Sole Parental Custody of the Father Through Court Decision According to § 1671 II BGB
• 5.2.3 Joint Parental Custody Through Declaration in § 1626a I 1 BGB
• 5.2.3.1 Formality
• 5.2.3.2 Time of the Declaration
• 5.2.3.3 Legal Nature
• 5.2.4 Joint Parental Custody Through Marriage in § 1626a I 2 BGB
• 5.2.5 Joint Parental Custody Acquired by Court Order in § 1626a I 3, II BGB
• 5.2.5.1 Legal Requirements
• 5.2.5.2 Criteria to Decide on Transfer of Joint Parental Custody
• a) Negative Assessment Criterion
• b) Positive Assessment Criterion
• c) Study on Decisions of Local Courts
• d) Decision of BGH on 15 June 2016
• 5.2.5.3 Proceedings for Transfer of Joint Parental Custody (§ 155a FamFG)
• 5.2.6 Another Type?
• 5.3 Rights of the Biological but Not the Legal Father
• 5.3.1 Introduction
• 5.3.2 Right to Acknowledge Paternity and Apply for Determination of Paternity
• 5.3.3 Right to Challenge Paternity
• 5.3.3.1 Historical Development
• 5.3.3.2 Reform Need in German Law
• a) Impulse from Decisions of the ECtHR
• b) Advice on Legal Reform
• 5.3.3.3 Two Fathers?
• 5.3.4 Right of Contact and to Claim Information
• 5.3.4.1 Introduction
• 5.3.4.2 Application Precondition
• a) Serious Interest
• b) In the Best Interests of the Child
• aa) Examination Criteria
• bb) Different Criteria Between § 1686a I 1 BGB and § 1686a I 2 BGB
• 5.3.4.3 Procedure According to § 167a I FamFG
• 5.3.4.4 Summary
• 5.4 Right of the Child to Know Genetical Paternity
• 5.5 Conclusion
• 6 Involvement of State Authorities
• 6.1 Justification of Involvement of State Authorities
• 6.1.1 Autonomy of Parents and Supervision and Assistance of State Authorities
• 6.1.2 Fundamental Rights of the Child
• 6.1.3 Roles of State Authorities
• 6.2 Family Court
• 6.2.1 Introduction
• 6.2.2 Involvement of the Court from the Perspective of Substantive Law
• 6.2.2.1 Court Decision in §§ 1628 and 1631 BGB
• 6.2.2.2 Court Measures upon Endangerment of the Best Interests of the Child in § 1666 BGB
• a) Precondition of Application
• aa) Determination of Endangerment
• bb) Non-​conduct of the Parents
• b) Principle of Proportionality
• aa) Suitability
• bb) Principle of Necessity
• c) Study on Court Decisions Concerning Partial Withdrawal of Parental Custody
• 6.2.2.3 § 1696 I BGB Amendment of Judicial Decisions and of Court-​Approved Settlement
• a) Sound Reasons
• b) Criteria
• c) Proceedings
• 6.2.3 From the Perspective of Procedural Law
• 6.2.3.1 Interlocutory Orders
• 6.2.3.2 Principle of Priority and Summary Procedure
• 6.2.3.3 Guardian ad Litem in § 158 FamFG
• a) Legal Prerequisite
• b) Responsibility of Guardian ad Litem
• c) Selection of Guardian ad Litem
• 6.2.3.4 Facilitation of Agreement in § 156 FamFG
• 6.2.3.5 Investigation of the Court
• a) Hearing
• b) Assessment of Expert Opinion
• aa) Appointment of an Expert
• bb) Qualification of an Expert
• cc) Duties of an Expert
• dd) Participation of Parties Involved
• 6.3 Youth Welfare Office
• 6.3.1 Carriers of Youth Welfare Service
• 6.3.2 Evolvement of the Role of the Youth Welfare Office
• 6.3.3 Involvement of the Youth Welfare Office in Issues Concerning Parental Custody After Separation or Divorce
• 6.3.3.1 Consultation and Support
• 6.3.3.2 Protection in Case of Endangerment Pursuant to § 8a SGB VIII
• 6.3.3.3 Participation in Proceedings Before the Court
• 6.4 Conclusion
• 7 Parental Custody in Chinese Law
• 7.1 Legal Historical Development on ‘Parental Custody’
• 7.1.1 Before and in the Feudal Dynasties
• 7.1.1.1 ‘Li’ (Rites) and Confucianism
• a) ‘Li’ (Rites)
• b) Legalisation of Confucianism
• 7.1.1.2 Penetration of Confucianism in Kinship
• a) Hierarchical Family Structure and Parental Authority
• b) Filial Piety
• 7.1.1.3 Conclusion
• 7.1.2 During the Transition Period
• 7.1.2.1 Late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China (1912–​1949)
• a) Legal Modernisation
• b) Civil Law of the Republic of China in 1930
• 7.1.2.2 Marriage Regulation and Law of the Chinese Soviet Republic
• 7.1.3 Early Stage After Foundation of the People’s Republic of China
• 7.1.3.1 Marriage Law of 1950
• 7.1.3.2 Historical Influence
• 7.1.4 Summary
• 7.2 Current Legal Basis
• 7.2.1 Domestic Laws
• 7.2.1.1 Constitution
• 7.2.1.2 General Rules of Civil Law and Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Its Implementation
• a) From General Principles of Civil Law to General Rules of Civil Law
• b) Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues Concerning the Implementation of GPCL 1987
• 7.2.1.3 Marriage Law
• a) Marriage Law of 1980
• b) Revision of the Marriage Law of 1980 in 2001
• c) Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court on Marriage Law
• 7.2.1.4 Rules Protecting the Minors’ Rights and Interests
• a) Law on the Protection of Minors
• b) Opinions on Legally Handling Several Issues on Guardian’s Infringement upon the Rights and Interests of Minors
• 7.2.1.5 Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on the Matter of Parental Custody in Divorce Trials
• 7.2.1.6 Civil Procedure Law
• 7.2.2 International Conventions
• 7.2.2.1 Convention on the Rights of the Child
• 7.2.2.2 Conventions of HCCH
• 7.2.3 Summary
• 7.3 Parental Custody After Separation or Divorce in China
• 7.3.1 Domination of Joint Parental Custody
• 7.3.2 Criteria to Determine Habitual Residence of the Child After Divorce of Parents
• 7.3.2.1 Applicable Rules
• 7.3.2.2 Case-​Law
• 7.3.3 Exercise of Contact Right
• 7.3.3.1 Applicable Rules
• 7.3.3.2 Case-​Law
• 8 Legal Comparison and Reform Discussion
• 8.1 Legal Comparison
• 8.1.1 From the Perspective of Substantive Law
• 8.1.1.1 General Rules Concerning Parental Custody
• a) Position of Parental Custody in the Legal System
• b) Principle of the Best Interests of the Child
• 8.1.1.2 Concrete Rules Concerning Parental Custody After Divorce or Separation
• a) For the Child Born in Wedlock
• b) For the Child Born Out of Wedlock
• c) Right of Contact
• d) The Wechselmodell
• 8.1.2 From the Perspective of Procedural Law
• 8.1.3 From the Perspective of Specialised Authority
• 8.2 Reform Discussion on Parental Custody After Separation in Germany
• 8.2.1 From Parental Custody to Parental Responsibility
• 8.2.2 Exercise of Parental Responsibility After Separation of Parents
• 8.2.2.1 Further Promotion of Joint Parental Responsibility
• 8.2.2.2 From Residenzmodell to Wechselmodell (Shared Care)
• 8.2.3 Balance Between Parental Autonomy and Interference of State Authorities
• 8.2.4 On Parental Custody of Child Born Out of Wedlock
• 8.2.4.1 Joint Parental Custody as Guiding Principle for Parents of the Child Born Out of Wedlock
• 8.2.4.2 Promotion of Rights of the Biological but Not the Legal Father and Multiple Parenthood for Child Born Out of Wedlock
• 8.3 Advice on Further Reform on Parental Custody After Separation of Parents in China
• 8.3.1 Draft of Book of Family Law of the Chinese Civil Code
• 8.3.2 From the Perspective of Substantive Law
• 8.3.2.1 Systematic Modification of Legal Rules Concerning Relationship Between Parents and Children
• 8.3.2.2 Principle of the Child’s Best Interests
• 8.3.2.3 Parental Custody After Divorce
• a) Determination of the Habitual Residence of the Children After Divorce
• b) Exercise of Parental Custody
• c) Right of Contact
• 8.3.2.4 Legal Protection of the Child Born Out of Wedlock and the Biological but Not the Legal Father
• a) Parental Custody of the Child Born Out of Wedlock
• b) Biological but Not the Legal Father
• aa) Determination of Biological and Legal Paternity
• bb) Contact Right of the Biological but Not the Legal Father
• 8.3.3 From the Perspective of Procedural Law
• 8.3.3.1 Substantial Review of Agreement on Parental Custody by Marriage Registration Office
• 8.3.3.2 Reform on Family Trial
• a) Combination of Divorce Proceedings and Proceedings Connected to Divorce
• b) Establishment of Summary Procedure
• c) On Court Investigation
• aa) Expert Opinions
• bb) Hearing
• d) Special Trial Concerning Custody Disputes
• 8.3.4 Establishment of a Specialised Public Authority for Welfare of Children and Youth
• 8.3.4.1 Background
• a) Working Committees at Central Levels
• b) At Local Levels
• 8.3.4.2 Need to Establish a Public Authority for the Child
• 8.3.5 Unification and Standardisation of Wordings in Verdicts or Literature
• Appendix
• 1. Extracts of Relevant Provisions in German Law
• 1.1 Basic Law
• 1.2 BGB
• 2. Extracts of Relevant Provisions in Chinese Law
• 2.1 Constitution
• 2.2 General Rules of Civil Law
• 2.3 Marriage Law
• 2.4 Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court to the Marriage Law
• 2.4.1 Interpretation I
• 2.4.2 Interpretation II
• 2.4.3 Interpretation III
• 2.5 Opinions of the Supreme People’ Court on the Matter of Parental Custody in Divorce Proceedings
• 3. Statistic
• 3.1 Percentage of the Child Born out of Wedlock in Germany
• 3.2 Statistic of Abortion in Germany from 1996 to 2017
• Bibliography