Germany

O’Halloran, Kerry

doi:10.1007/978-94-017-9777-1_14

Kerry O’Halloran⁴

Part of the book series: Ius Gentium: Comparative Perspectives on Law and Justice ((IUSGENT,volume 41))

1168 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter begins by examining the background social factors that have shaped the modern adoption process. It identifies and assesses the more prominent trends and the resulting emerging characteristics of current adoption practice. It then details the legislative framework for adoption, on both a domestic and intercountry basis, giving consideration to the policy and principles that have informed statute law. This leads into the application of a template of legal functions (see, further, Chap. 3) to outline the German adoption process, explain the role of its regulatory bodies and adoption agencies, and to track the path taken by the parties through the sequence of stages that ends with the making of an adoption order. The chapter then considers the availability of post-adoption support services, information disclosure rights and arrangements for tracing and reunification. It concludes by reflecting on the more distinctive hallmarks of contemporary adoption law and practice in Germany up to and including 2014.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Chapter: USD 29.95; Price excludes VAT (USA)

eBook: USD 139.00; Price excludes VAT (USA)

Softcover Book: USD 179.00; Price excludes VAT (USA)

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

1.
See, German Federal Statistic Office: https://www.destatis.de/EN/Homepage.html
2.
See, ‘Overview of German Adoption Law’, at: http://www.adoptionpolicy.org/pdf/eu-germany.pdf
3.
See, Frank, R. 1996. Germany. In Internal and intercountry adoption laws, ed. International Social Services, 1–50. The Hague: Kluwer Law International.
4.
For a brief historical overview see, for example, Bosch, F.W. 1984. Entwicklungen und Probleme des Adoptionsrechts in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Zeitschrift fur das gesamte Familienerecht 31: 829–842.
5.
See, https://www.destatis.de/EN/Homepage.html
6.
See, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2011/tables/11s1335.pdf
7.
See, further, at: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/12/29/uk-family-breakdown-rate-_n_2379845.html?view=print
8.
Ibid.
9.
See, U.N. Dept of Economic and Social Affairs, World Abortion Policies 2013, at: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/policy/world-abortion-policies-2013.shtml
10.
The population is in negative growth as birth rates range from about 8.7 births per 1,000 people to about 9.8 while the death rates range from about 11.6 deaths per 1,000 people to about 15.8.
11.
See, further, Robertson, J.A. 2004. Reproductive technology in Germany and the United States: An essay in comparative law and bioethics. Columbia Journl of Transnational Law. 43: 189–227.
12.
Ibid, at p. 192.
13.
Civil Code, s 1591.
14.
See, decision of the Administrative Court of Berlin, September 10, 2012, at: http://www.ukrainiansurrogates.com/surrogacy-ban-in-germany
15.
See, Schweppe, K. Child protection in Europe: Different systems—Common challenges. German Law Journal. http://www.germanlawjournal.com/index.php?pageid=11&artid=196
16.
The Civil Code, s 1666a.
17.
See, Inobhutnahme, s 42 Social Code VIII.
18.
See, Galm, B., and R. Derr. 2011. Combating child abuse and neglect: Child protection in Germany, at: http://www.youthpolicy.nl/yp/downloadsyp/Daphne-report-Germany.pdf
19.
See, further, at: http://www.dw.de/new-child-protection-law-aims-to-strengthen-families-rather-than-divide-them/a-6329547
20.
The Civil Code, s 1666. This provides that, where the physical, mental or emotional welfare of a child is placed at risk by neglect or mistreatment of the child or because parents otherwise fail to comply with their parental duties, the Family Court shall order the measures necessary to protect the child when voluntary measures have been insufficient to protect the child’s welfare.
21.
The Civil Code, s 1773.
22.
The Civil Code, s 1791a and 1791b.
23.
See, Wolf, K. 2012. Promoting the positive development of foster children: Establishing research in Germany. Adoption & Fostering. 36(1): 40–51, at p. 41.
24.
See, Wolf, K. 2008. Foster care research in Germany. Adoption & Fostering. 32(2): 19–30, at p. 20, citing Gehres, W., and B. Hildenbrand. 2008. Offentliche Sozialisation: Aufwachsen in Pflegeverhaltnissen. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag fur Sozialwissenschaften.
25.
See, White, K.J. 2002. The ideology of residential care and fostering: Re-framing children’s services. NCVCCO Annual Review Journal No. 3, at pp. 231–242.
26.
See, Foster care research in Germany: A critical review, at: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Foster+care+research+in+Germany%3a+a+critical+review.-a0202649731
27.
See, Abschlussbericht des Runden Tisches “Heimerziehung in den 50er und 60er Jahren” at: http://www.rundertisch-heimerziehung.de/documents/Abschlussbericht_rth-1.pdf
28.
See, Walter and Blandow, 2004.
29.
See, further, at: http://www.hcch.net/upload/adostats_za.pdf
30.
See, Linder, 1987.
31.
See, further, at: https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/SocietyState/SocialStatistics/SocialBenefits/PublicChildrenYouthWelfare/Adoptions.html
32.
Author acknowledges with thanks the advice of Nina Dethloff on this matter (note to author, 9.10.2014). See, further, at: https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/SocietyState/SocialStatistics/SocialBenefits/PublicChildrenYouthWelfare/Adoptions.html
33.
The Social Code VIII, s 36, para 1.
34.
See, Textor, M.R. 1991. International adoption in West Germany: A private affair. In Intercountry adoption: A multinational perspective, ed. H. Alstein and R. Simon. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, at p. 109.
35.
Ibid, at p. 111.
36.
See, Annual Adoption Statistics for Receiving States: Germany, 2005, at: http://www.hcch.net/upload/adostats_de.pdf
37.
See, Lammerant, I., and M. Hofsetter (eds.). 2007. Adoption: At what cost? Lausanne: Terre des Hommes, at p. 23.
38.
But see, Zaunegger v. Germany (Application no. 22028/04), IHRL 3698 (ECHR 2009).
39.
Civil Code, s 1743.
40.
Civil Code, s 1758.
41.
See, Munchener Kommentar zum Burgerlichen Gesetzburch, Band 8, Familienrecht II, § 1758, No 6.
42.
The Recommendations, No 5.2.
43.
Civil Code, s 1742, allowing joint application by a marital couple, has not been extended to those in a civil partnership.
44.
See, the Registered Partnership Act 2001, s 9(7) (1), as subsequently amended.
45.
See, further, at: http://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/18/012/1801285.pdf
46.
Citing the Social Code VIII, para 1, s 36.
47.
The Procedure in Family Matters Act, 2009, s 1, 111 No. 4, 186 ff.
48.
The Parentage Law Reform Act 1997, s 1747 1.
49.
See, Frank, R. 1997. Germany: Parentage law reformed. In The international survey of family law, ed. A. Bainham, 167–182. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, at p. 167.
50.
Ibid, at p. 168.
51.
See, Frank, R. 1996. Germany. In Internal and intercountry adoption laws, ed. International Social Services, The Hague: Kluwer Law International, at p. 3.
52.
Civil Code, s 1757.
53.
Civil Code, s 1741, para 1.
54.
The Adoption Placement Act, s 2(1) and (2).
55.
See, Lammerant, I., and M. Hofsetter (eds.). 2007. Adoption: At what cost? Lausanne: Terre des Hommes, at p. 23.
56.
The Adoption Placement Act, s 2(2).
57.
Ibid, s 3(2).
58.
The Civil Code, s 1752.
59.
The enlarged Family Court assumed jurisdiction for adoption applications in 2009. Author acknowledges with thanks the advice of Nina Dethloff on this matter (note to author, 9.10.2014).
60.
Personenstandsgesetz, s 15, para 1, No 3.
61.
Ibid, s 41, para 2.
62.
Ibid, s 45.
63.
The Recommendations concerning adoption procedures etc. 1994 (The Recommendations), No 32.
64.
The Civil Code, s 1748(4).
65.
Ibid, s 1592(2). Note, also, the introduction of the Paternity Contestation Law Amendment Act (13th March 2008).
66.
Ibid, s 1600 a.
67.
The Child and Youth Services Act, s 51(3).
68.
(Application no. 22028/04), IHRL 3698 (ECHR 2009).
69.
Ibid, s 1747(3) Nr 3.
70.
The Social Code VIII, s 37.
71.
The Civil Code, s 1632.
72.
Ibid, s 1684.
73.
See Sahin v. Germany, application no. 30943/96 and Sommerfeld v. Germany, application no. 31871/96; judgments 11 October 2001.
74.
See, Wolf, K. 2012. Promoting the positive development of foster children: Establishing research in Germany. Adoption & Fostering. 36(1): 40–51, at p. 49.
75.
Erzberger 2003.
76.
The Civil Code, s 1745.
77.
The Recommendations, No 3.3.
78.
The Adoption Placement Act, s.7.
79.
The Civil Code, s 1743.
80.
Ibid, s 1741(2)(2).
81.
Ibid, s 1741(2)(4).
82.
Ibid, s 1743(2).
83.
Ibid, s 1749(1).
84.
The Registered Partnership Act, s 9(6) 1.
85.
The Civil Code, s 1749(2).
86.
The Recommendations, No 3.43.
87.
The Procedure in Family Matters Act, s 187.
88.
The Social Code, VIII, para 1, s 50.
89.
See, Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, Article 2.
90.
See, AG Hamm, 3 February 2006—XVI 41/05.
91.
The Social Code, VIII, s 51.
92.
The Civil Code, s 1666.
93.
Ibid, s 2(1).
94.
The Recommendations, No 4.
95.
The Civil Code, s 1747, para 3.
96.
Ibid, s 2a(4).
97.
Ibid, s 2a(3).
98.
See, Lammerant, I., and M. Hofsetter (eds.). 2007. Adoption: at what cost? Lausanne: Terre des Hommes, at p. 28.
99.
Federal Law on the Religious Education of Children (15th July 1921; 12th September 1990).
100.
The Civil Code, s 1744.
101.
The Recommendations, No 4.4.
102.
The Civil Code, s 1748.
103.
The Code of Procedure in Non-Contentious Matters, section 49, para 1, No 1 m.
104.
The Civil Code, s 1752(1).
105.
The Civil Code, s 1758.
106.
The Procedure in Family Matters Act, s 26.
107.
Ibid, s 189.
108.
Ibid, s 192.
109.
Ibid, s 189.
110.
The Civil Code, s 1747(2) 1.
111.
Ibid, s 1746(1) 1.
112.
Ibid, s 1746(1) 3.
113.
Ibid, s 1746(1) 2.
114.
Ibid, s 1746(2).
115.
Ibid, s 1750(2) 2.
116.
Ibid, s 1750(4) 2.
117.
Ibid, s 1747(4).
118.
Ibid, s 1748(1) 1 and 2.
119.
Ibid, s 1748(1) 1.
120.
Ibid, s 1748(2) 1 and the Code of Social Law (Sozialgesetzbuch), Vol VIII, s 51(1).
121.
See, KG Berlin, 4 April 2006—1 W 369/05.
122.
See, AG Hamm, 17 April 2006—XVI 44/05.
123.
The Procedure in Family Matters Act, s 192.
124.
Ibid, s 159.
125.
The Guidelines, No 3.316.
126.
The Social Code, VIII, s 54.
127.
The Procedure in Family Matters Act, s 158.
128.
The Civil Code, s 1796.
129.
Ibid, s 1744.
130.
The Social Code, s 16b, in accordance with procedures outlined in the Effects of Foreign Adoptions Act (or Adoptionswirkungsgesetz). Note that in LG Dresden, 26 January 2006—2 T 1208/04, the court ruled that the relevant point in time for assessing whether the recognition of the foreign adoption violates German public policy is when deciding about the recognition.
131.
The Civil Code, s 1754.
132.
Ibid, ss 1755–1756.
133.
Ibid, s 1757.
134.
Note, however, that s 1766 of the Civil Code expressly addresses the legal consequences for the adopter and adoptee in the event of their marrying each other: the adoption status (rather than marital status) is then cancelled.
135.
The German Nationality and Citizenship Act 1913, as amended in 1993, s 3, No 3, and s 6.
136.
The Civil Code, ss 1767–1771.
137.
Ibid, s 1772.
138.
Ibid, s 1755.
139.
Ibid, s 1756.
140.
Ibid, s 1759.
141.
Ibid, s 1760(1) and (2).
142.
Ibid, s 1761(2).
143.
Ibid, s 1762(2) 2.
144.
Ibid, s 1762(2) 1.
145.
Ibid, s 1763(1).
146.
Ibid, s 1763(2).
147.
The Federal Constitution, Basic Law, article 103.
148.
The Civil Code, s 1763(3).
149.
Ibid, s 1764(1).
150.
Ibid, s 1764(2) and (3).
151.
The Recommendations, No 4.4.
152.
The Social Code, VIII, ss 27–41.
153.
The Federal Constitution, Basic Law, Article 2.
154.
Decision of the German Constitutional Court, BVerfGE 79, 256; FamRZ 1989, 255.
155.
Personenstandsgesetz, s 61(2) 1.
156.
The Adoption Placement Act, s 9b(2).
157.
Personenstandsgesetz, s 15, para 1, No 3, 4.
158.
Personenstandsgesetz, s 63.
159.
The Adoption Placement Act 1976, s 9.
160.
The Social Code, ss 27–41, and the Recommendations, No 4.4.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Queensland University of Technology, Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kerry O’Halloran

Authors

Kerry O’Halloran
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

O’Halloran, K. (2015). Germany. In: The Politics of Adoption. Ius Gentium: Comparative Perspectives on Law and Justice, vol 41. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9777-1_14

Download citation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9777-1_14
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9776-4
Online ISBN: 978-94-017-9777-1
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and LawLaw and Criminology (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics