context of gain equalization, which can be resolved through expert advice and thorough financial analysis, negotiations and, if necessary, court decisions. Family mediation is a popular Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to settle disputes between exspouses and separated parents. What impact has mediation and other ADR methods had on German divorce cases? Mediation can considerably shorten court proceedings and reduce emotional stress. It can promote an amicable agreement and avoid lengthy court proceedings and offers the parties a chance to talk in a protected environment. A mediator helps the parties to take responsibility, learn how to deal with the conflict, and come to a mutual agreement. Subject to the parties’ agreement, mediation can take place before or during court proceedings. In family law proceedings, mediation is often conducted in court by judges who do not have jurisdiction in the case itself. Out-of-court mediation can even take place while the court proceedings continue. Have there been any recent significant changes in German family law? Yes. In recent years, there have been some significant changes in German family law, particularly with regard to custody, strengthened rights of unmarried fathers and samesex marriage, especially since the introduction of “marriage for all” in October 2017. In January 2024, the Federal Ministry of Justice presented key points for a reform of parentage and filiation law. Besides the conventional marriage and family model consisting of father, mother, and children, new forms of cohabitation have emerged and might need to be taken into consideration. What skills and qualities do you need to become a good family lawyer? A good family law lawyer needs excellent legal knowledge, empathy, communication skills, and negotiation skills. Moreover, passion, trust, integrity, confidentiality, and a sense of responsibility are essential. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 17 Pilati + Fritz Rechtsanwälte Friedensstr. 11 . 60311 Frankfurt am Main Tel: +49 69 2695853-0 | Fax: +49 69 2695853-65 | Email: fritz@pilati-fritz.de www.pilati-fritz.de Mediation can considerably shorten court proceedings and reduce emotional stress.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz