Family court approval

In short: The family court (a division of the local court) checks whether a business makes sense and is harmless for the child, and then approves the parents’ authorisation. It is usually handled in writing and ends with a decision.

In more detail: The court decides according to the child’s welfare. It asks whether the activity suits the age, how much time it takes, whether it endangers school or training and whether there are financial risks. The parents file the application, the child may be heard, which is usual for teenagers from about 14.

In detail

• Application: informal and in writing, with a description of the plan, expected revenue, time needed and the consent of both parents (Application to the family court: structure and content).
• Competent court: the local court of the child’s place of residence (Local court, family court and court clerk).
• Duration: often several weeks. So apply early and prepare everything else while waiting.
• Hearing: usually not needed. Sometimes there is a short conversation or phone call.
• Result: a decision by post. This decision belongs to the documents for the trade office.
• Costs: a low court fee. The exact amount can be asked at the court.

See also: Authorisation under § 112 BGB, Registering a business step by step