Guardianship revocation General information

Their guardianship ends when the reasons for its establishment no longer exist. Further information can be found here.

Detailed description

Their guardianship ends when the reason for it no longer applies. This happens, for example, when:

  • Parents regaining custody: It is sufficient if they are once again allowed to make decisions regarding their child's person or assets. Then a guardian is no longer necessary.
  • A minor parent reaches adulthood: If parental custody was only suspended because a parent was not yet of legal age, the guardianship automatically ends on the 18th birthday.
  • The family status is clarified: If guardianship was established because it was unknown whether and who the parents were, it ends as soon as this information is known. For example, if the parents of an unaccompanied minor refugee are later found or come to Germany.
  • When the ward reaches adulthood: Guardianship ends on their 18th birthday. If further support is needed, a legal guardianship can be arranged instead.
  • The ward dies.
 

Information

Prerequisites

The reasons for establishing guardianship have ceased to exist.

Documents required

If applicable, documents proving the return of parental custody to the parents (court order)

Please note

The local court does not provide legal advice. Please contact a qualified professional, such as a lawyer or notary public.


If you have limited financial resources, you can obtain advice from the Public Legal Information Office (ÖRA).

Deadlines

no

Procedure

Guardianship generally ends automatically when the reasons for its establishment cease to exist.



If there is doubt or disagreement as to whether and when the guardianship ends, the family court determines the termination of the guardianship and its date by decree.



As a guardian, you must, after the end of your term of office,

  • return the order certificate or the issued certificate;
  • to release the assets under your administration and all documents to the ward, their heirs or any other entitled person;
  • Prepare a final statement of accounts for the asset management if the ward, their heirs, or any other entitled party requests it. You must inform them of this right.

Processing time

no

Fees

Court fees are incurred, which only have to be paid if the ward is wealthy.

Legal remedies

Complaint

Legal basis

Section 1806 of the German Civil Code (BGB)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1806.html


Section 1807 of the German Civil Code (BGB)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1807.html


Section 1872 of the German Civil Code (BGB)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1872.html


Section 168b of the Family Procedure Act (FamFG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/famfg/__168b.html

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Keywords: End of guardianship Guardianship ends

Last updated: 11.03.2026