Sort out custody of a child · einfach.wien
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  • Remember deadlinesAdd a date and get a reminder by e-mail or in your calendar.
  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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Family & children

Sort out custody of a child

Official name: Clarify custody and the existing procedure

Obsorge is the responsibility for a child. It covers care, upbringing, representation and the child's property. Here you learn which office helps with questions about Obsorge.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
6 key steps, up to 16 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
MA 11 / responsible service
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 2 of 16 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Keep custody, contact and maintenance apartObsorge covers the child's care, upbringing, representation and property. Contact and support are separate topics.Key step
    Why?
    A separation does not, in principle, end shared Obsorge automatically.
    What you do
    Have it confirmed how Obsorge is arranged in your case. Ask MA 11, for example.
    Where?
    MA 11 / responsible serviceDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Consider custody, contact and maintenance separately

    Custody covers care, upbringing, representation and property administration. Separation generally does not automatically end joint custody. Have the actual position confirmed for the personal case.

    SourceObsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung
    Obsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung

    Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Get advice on custodyHere you get advice about Obsorge. Advice means experts explain your situation to you.Key step
    Why?
    Shared Obsorge does not mean both parents must always sign. Advice helps you understand this.
    What you do
    Ask general questions at MA 11 legal representation. For a specific dispute, the Familienzentrum helps. Have existing decisions checked there.
    Where?
    MA 11 / FamilienzentrumDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Obtain advice on existing custody and specific representation

    Ask MA 11 representation about general questions and a family centre about specific disagreement. Review existing orders and scope; joint custody does not mean every action always needs both signatures.

    SourceObsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung
    Obsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung

    Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Choose registry office or courtHere you clarify the next step. The Standesamt and the court have different tasks.Key step
    Why?
    This way you do not collect the wrong papers.
    What you do
    First clarify what applies now and what you want to change. Ask MA 11, the Standesamt or the court.
    Where?
    MA 11 / Standesamt / GerichtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Confirm the next custody route first

    Registry and court have different roles. If the route is unclear, clarify existing arrangements and the intended change before preparing further evidence.

    SourceObsorge und gesetzliche Vertretung
    Obsorge und gesetzliche Vertretung

    Bundesministerium für Justiz · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Declare joint custody at the registry officeHere you set up shared Obsorge at the Standesamt. This means both parents share the responsibility.Key step
    Why?
    You learn what legal consequences this has. This is called Belehrung.
    What you do
    Both parents come in person at the same time. Bring the agreed proof. The app does not declare Obsorge.
    Where?
    StandesamtDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Evidence agreed with the registry
      Document explained

      Do not import a blanket record set from another procedure.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceObsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung
      Obsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung

      Bundesministerium für Justiz · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare the confirmed joint custody declaration in person

    Both parents attend personally together and receive instruction on legal consequences. Use only the confirmed route; this app declares no custody.

    SourceObsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung
    Obsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung

    Bundesministerium für Justiz · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Prepare your application to the courtAn Obsorge application is a written request to the court. It says what you want arranged.Key step
    Why?
    The court needs your request and suitable proof.
    What you do
    Use the current official template. Add existing decisions and agreed attachments. The app does not submit anything for you.
    Where?
    Zuständiges PflegschaftsgerichtDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Existing custody order or relevant declaration
      Document explained

      Existing documents only; clarify the relevant scope with the court.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceObsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung
      Obsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung

      Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Current form and specifically confirmed attachments
      Document explained

      Use the official online/PDF route; check filing and authority yourself.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceObsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege
      Obsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege

      oesterreich.gv.at · Formularservice · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare the confirmed custody application outside the app

    Use the current official form, intended arrangement and agreed evidence. Consider the existing order; this app makes no welfare decision and files no application.

    SourceObsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege
    Obsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege

    oesterreich.gv.at · Formularservice · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Listen to what your child wantsThe child's wishes are what the child itself wants. The child should have a say that fits its age.Key step
    Why?
    From 14, the child can make its own applications to court. This covers care, upbringing and contact.
    What you do
    Talk with the Familienzentrum about what support the child needs.
    Where?
    Familienzentrum / GerichtDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Consider the child’s wishes and own application rights

    Involve children appropriately for their age. From 14 they can make their own court applications on care, upbringing and contact; this does not create general adult representation. Discuss support needs with professionals.

    SourceObsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung
    Obsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung

    Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check if anything has already been decided
  • Check if your child is a minor
  • Get help if someone needs protection
  • Ask the court where the child should mainly live
  • Check if the registry office is enough
  • Book an appointment at the registry office
  • Find the way to the family court
  • Quickly ask the registry about withdrawing
  • Send the requested documents
  • Keep following your custody case
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with the custody matter?

What is meant? This asks whether you are starting new or something is already running. Pending (anhängig) means the court case is ongoing.

What is the stage of this custody matter?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

2 of 16 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceObsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung
Obsorge: Bestand, Trennung, Vertretung und Beratung

Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceObsorge und gesetzliche Vertretung
Obsorge und gesetzliche Vertretung

Bundesministerium für Justiz · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceHilfe bei familiären Krisen und akute Krisenhilfe
Hilfe bei familiären Krisen und akute Krisenhilfe

Stadt Wien · MA 11 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceObsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung
Obsorge beider Elternteile und standesamtliche Bestimmung

Bundesministerium für Justiz · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceObsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege
Obsorge: aktuelle amtliche Antragswege

oesterreich.gv.at · Formularservice · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

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