Legal advice in Germany

If you’re facing a legal problem, dispute or conflict, or if you have a question about a legal matter  related to immigration, business, real estate, family matters or work, it’s worth seeking legal advice in Germany. Our list of recommended lawyers in Germany can help with all kinds of legal issues. 

Legal services in Germany

If you need advice on a legal matter, you could consider consulting with a lawyer that specialises in the type of law your issue is applicable to. Our selection of English-speaking lawyers in Germany are able to help with all kinds of different legal issues. 

Corporate & business law

Reach out to a lawyer who specialises in corporate and business law if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur seeking legal advice on business matters such as:

• Company formation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Franchising 
• Business transactions including commercial real estate
• Contract compliance
• Commercial disputes
• Intellectual property and licencing 
• Investments 
• Financing and restructuring your company 
• Bankruptcy 

Criminal defence law 

If you’re involved in any way in a criminal case in Germany, you’ll want an experienced lawyer to help you decode the legal system and defend your rights. You should contact a criminal defence lawyer if you have been named as a suspect, accused of a criminal act, invited to a police station for questioning, or placed under arrest. 

You can also consult with a criminal lawyer to pursue claims for compensation if you have been the victim of a crime. 

Family law

Whether it’s relating to a divorce or a prenuptial agreement, family law in Germany can be complex. It’s therefore highly advised to consult with an expat-friendly family lawyer who is familiar with regulations in Germany on matters such as: 

• Prenuptial agreements
• Divorce 
• Separation of property
• Alimony
• Custody
• Recognition of paternity
• Adoption
• Surrogacy and sperm donation 

Immigration law

If you or one of your family members is coming to Germany to work, study or live, or if you wish to remain in Germany long-term after living here for some time, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer. 

German immigration law can be complex, making it super important to have an experienced immigration law specialist on your side to help you decode regulations and requirements. Our recommended immigration lawyers in Germany can help you with things like: 

• Citizenship and naturalisation 
• Visas and residence permits
• EU Blue Cards
• Permanent residence  

Inheritance law

Inheritance law in Germany can be complex - and it becomes even more so should the deceased have assets in multiple countries, or not have a will at all. Inheritance matters are not only an emotional burden but can become complicated and time-consuming, especially if disputes arise among trustees and beneficiaries over their interpretation. 

An experienced inheritance law specialist can help you make sense of German inheritance laws and assist with things like: 

• Estate planning 
• Business succession planning
• Drafting wills
• Probate law 
• Disputes regarding wills 
• Evaluation of inheritance value 
• Refusing an inheritance 
• Inheritance taxes 

Labour & employment law

No matter whether you’re a business owner, employer, manager or employee, you may be facing issues at work or have questions about German employment law and employee rights. A lawyer specialising in labour and employment law can help you understand and assert your rights and, if possible, avoid costly employment tribunals. 

Consult a labour lawyer in Germany for advice on:

• Workplace problems like discrimination, bullying, illness and sexual harassment
• Employee rights 
• Disputes over holiday leave, working hours, overtime or notice periods
• (Unfair) dismissals, severance payments and unemployment benefits
• German employment contracts, trial periods and non-competition clauses
• Labour relations 

Liability law

Have you sustained a serious or life-changing personal injury? Has a third party caused damage to you or your property? Liability law is a big topic in Germany, where more than three-quarters of residents have private liability insurance. 

A lawyer who specialises in liability law can help you assert your rights in cases where you experience financial losses from accidents or damage caused by a third party. They can advise you on whether you should settle your claim or litigate and, if so, to guide you through the process and fight your case.

Property & real estate law

Buying, selling or building a residential property in Germany? Thinking of investing in commercial real estate? Or just renting an apartment? You should consult with a lawyer experienced in property and real estate law to understand your rights, obligations and options. 

Buyers, sellers, property investors, landlords and tenants can consult with a property lawyer for advice on matters such as: 

• Property sales and purchases 
• Rental agreements
• Rent arrears 
• Eviction notices
• Disputes with landlords
• Unreturned rental deposits
• Disputes with homeowners’ associations or neighbours 

Legal insurance

Legal advice and representation can be expensive. For this reason, to protect themselves against the cost of pursuing a legal claim, many people in Germany take out legal insurance. Depending on the scope of your policy, your insurance might include a free legal advice hotline, cover the cost of consulting with a lawyer, and even administrative fees should the matter be taken to court. 

Free legal advice in Germany

If you are unable to cover the cost of hiring a lawyer and court costs, and you don't have legal insurance, you may be eligible for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe). Legal aid in Germany is a form of government assistance for people with low incomes; the state takes over the cost of hiring a lawyer to make sure that no one is prevented from asserting their legal rights. 

You may be eligible for legal aid if:

• You cannot pay the cost of legal proceedings, for instance if you receive social security benefits
• Your case stands a chance of success in court
• The legal process makes financial sense for you, for instance if you might be due legal compensation 

You can apply for legal aid by filling out a form and submitting it to the relevant court.