Hamburg.deHamburg ServiceHave the care directive certifiedAltona District Office

Altona District Office

Have the care directive certified

You can have the care directive publicly certified.

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Detailed description

With a care directive, you can specify who should take care of your affairs and to what extent if you are no longer able to do so yourself due to illness, disability or old age.
A care directive comes into effect when the care court decides that you need a legal guardian. The court will try to take your wishes as set out in the care directive into account.
To make your care directive legally valid, you should write it down and sign it, stating the place and date. You can also have the care directive officially certified by the responsible authority. Although this certification does not replace notarization in all cases, it does increase the acceptance of your signature.

 

Information

Prerequisites

No

Documents required

Identity card
Written and signed care directive

Please note

With a care directive, you can determine in advance who should be responsible for you in the event of legal care. In the event that you are no longer able to manage your own affairs due to illness, disability or old age, you can determine in which areas (for example health matters, financial matters or right to determine your place of residence) you should be cared for and set out your wishes and ideas regarding your care and lifestyle.
In complicated legal matters, involve a notary. If necessary, seek legal advice.
In addition, hospital and nursing home social services often provide advice on care directives.
The Federal Chamber of Notaries maintains a central pension register in which you can store all data (www.vorsorgeregister.de).

Deadlines

No.

Procedure

  • You make an appointment with the responsible authority.
  • Please bring the necessary documents with you to the appointment.
  • The responsible authority will check your documents.
  • The responsible authority will certify your signature.

Processing time

The certification takes about 30 minutes.


If you would like to have a consultation in advance, please plan approximately 1 hour for the appointment.

Fees

No.

Legal remedies

No.

Legal basis

§ 7 Care Organisation Act (BtOG)

Address and contact information

Altona District Office

Department for Assistance under the Care Act
Advisory Center

Mon, Fri 9-12, Tue, Thu 1-4 pm (Arrange an appointment for a consultation or certification in advance.)

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Keywords: Power of attorney

Last updated: 26.04.2025