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Family law
Other care arrangements

Changing a care or contact arrangement

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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources

An arrangement can be adjusted if the parents agree. If that is not possible, the court can be asked to change the existing arrangement.

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Describe what has changed

Explain factually which circumstances have changed since the previous agreement or decision. Consider school hours, working hours, the child's age and needs, distance or structural problems during handovers.

Make a complete proposal

State days and times, holidays, public holidays, pick-up and drop-off, costs and a review moment. Show how the proposal supports stability, predictability and contact with both parents.

If consultation does not work

Mediation or facilitated consultation may help. A lawyer is required for court proceedings about care or contact. The court assesses what is feasible in the child's best interests.

Your checklist

Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word

Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.

Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.

What do you still need for your next step?

Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?

Current written arrangement

This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.

Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.

View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence

List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.

What goes in my timeline?

Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.

Is my evidence sent?

No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.

How do I save my timeline?

Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.

Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.

0 / 6 · Checked or collected

For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.

Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.

For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?

Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.

After your conversation

These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.

This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.

Save and continue later
Name in your overview
Privacy and storage

Up to 100 items. Each remains available for one year after saving or updating. You can delete it sooner. No automatic sharing with partners. A saved answer is a snapshot; rules and circumstances may change.

Privacy and storage
Clear entries

Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.

  • Current written arrangement
  • Overview of actual implementation
  • Specific changed circumstances
  • New weekly and holiday schedule
  • Transport and travel costs
  • Responses and alternatives from both parents

Frequently asked questions

Can I temporarily stop the arrangement myself?

Do not do so without an acute safety reason and professional advice. Unilaterally failing to comply may escalate matters and work against you legally.

Can an oral agreement be changed?

Yes, but record new arrangements in writing to prevent evidentiary problems.

Need personal assistance?

Request help through our chat. We assess which professional fits your question. Review your details before sending. A request is not yet an instruction to provide services.

Sources and further information

Judiciary — procedure for contact and care arrangements ↗

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