18 years old: finally fully legally competent and freedom is calling? When your child comes of age, it is a significant milestone - in the life of a young person and that of their parents. You are probably also wondering: What legal changes come with coming of age? How can we continue to support our child on the path to an independent life in the best possible way without interfering too much? And what can we do if there are problems with each other? Parents often don't know exactly what role they can play when their child turns 18. Support and advice services can help, among other things, to get an idea of how best to have conversations about difficult topics. Especially if, for example, your child exhibits conspicuous behavior, has difficulties at school and in education or you can no longer have a proper conversation. But even if you find it difficult to "let go" yourself, you can make use of professional parenting advice. You can find out which counseling options are available and where you can find contact points in your area here on Familienportal.NRW.

The 18th birthday marks special milestones in a young person's life, particularly in legal and financial terms. After all, when your child comes of age, they have full legal capacity and can make all decisions themselves. They can now conclude all legal transactions such as a purchase contract, a cell phone contract or a rental agreement on their own responsibility. This new freedom is usually long-awaited, exciting and adventurous at the same time - but it also brings with it more responsibility and a range of new duties. Financial, insurance and legal issues need to be clarified. What insurance do I need now? Is child benefit still available? What is the best way to save for your own four walls or your first car? There is a lot to consider, especially if your child is still living at home and has not yet completed their first education or studies. But don't worry: if you are well informed, you can support and accompany your offspring as they become self-employed. After all, even after their 18th birthday, parents remain the most important source of advice when it comes to big questions about money and the future. Here you will find valuable information on financial benefits that families can claim after their child's 18th birthday. Find out, for example, under what conditions you can receive child benefit until your child's 25th birthday. We also provide you with an overview of the various insurance policies that are recommended for your adult child to ensure they are adequately protected in this new phase of their life. Every family can get into financial difficulties - so it is all the more important to know what help and support options are available. Debt advice in NRW, financial assistance services and contact points offer support in overcoming money worries and finding solutions. Young adults in particular are faced with new financial challenges, as cost traps and debt traps are often not immediately apparent - be it through online subscriptions, installment purchases, online betting or contracts. If you learn to handle money responsibly at an early age, you can avoid debt and start the future with financial security. On the Familienportal.NRW you will find practical tips, contact points and advice services to help you solve financial problems and remain worry-free in the long term.

Crying days after the birth are completely normal

Do you need another civil partnership certificate? You can only obtain your civil partnership certificate from the registry office in whose area the civil partnership was established.

If the parents are not married to each other, the natural father of a child is not automatically also the legally recognized father. Recognition with all rights and obligations only takes place through the public certification of a declaration by the father. The mother must agree to the declaration.

In Germany, motherhood is clearly regulated: Mother of a child is the woman who gave birth to the child. This regulation does not apply to all countries. If the mother is not married, according to the law of some states, a relationship between mother and child only arises when the mother makes a declaration in which she acknowledges the child.

Whether it's about choosing a school, taking part in a vacation camp or medical treatment: many decisions have to be made while a child is growing up. Even parents who are not married can share this responsibility for their child. Here you can find out what joint custody means and how to agree it.

Do you need another marriage certificate? You can obtain your marriage certificate from the registry office in whose area the marriage took place. The registry office will issue it from the marriage register.

If you are raising your child alone, you can apply for a guardianship for your child at the youth welfare office. The guardian will help you to legally clarify paternity and/or enforce your child's maintenance claims.

During the maternity protection periods, (expectant) mothers are under special legal protection. Before and after the birth, they are not allowed to work for a certain period of time. The Maternity Protection Act ensures that mothers do not suffer any financial disadvantage during this time. Employees receive up to 100 percent of their previous net income, consisting of maternity pay and an employer allowance.