***Calling All Germans***
Multiland
08-12-2006, 22:13
...and non-Germans who know about German Law. I need some advice for someone. It would be unethical for me to give all the details so I'll just give the necessary facts that I am aware of:
There is a girl living in German but who is from the U.S.A. so is NOT classed as a German citizen. She lives with her Mother and Stepdad. Her stepdad has demonstrated his hate for her (as I said, I will not provide all the details) and her Mother is never around. She doesn't want to ask her Stepdad why he hates her or confront him in any way (even in a letter) and she wants to move out (to live on her own, though with support would probably be best) but doesn't know if she can do this (or/and get any financial assistance) due to her Nationality status.
Anyone got any advice apart from "steal her Mother's money and go back to America"?
(Also are there any free "advice centres" or "legal advice centres" in Germany?
This is really important so please don't put a load of sarcastic comments. Cheers.
Kohlstein
08-12-2006, 22:37
...and non-Germans who know about German Law. I need some advice for someone. It would be unethical for me to give all the details so I'll just give the necessary facts that I am aware of:
There is a girl living in German but who is from the U.S.A. so is NOT classed as a German citizen. She lives with her Mother and Stepdad. Her stepdad has demonstrated his hate for her (as I said, I will not provide all the details) and her Mother is never around. She doesn't want to ask her Stepdad why he hates her or confront him in any way (even in a letter) and she wants to move out (to live on her own, though with support would probably be best) but doesn't know if she can do this (or/and get any financial assistance) due to her Nationality status.
Anyone got any advice apart from "steal her Mother's money and go back to America"?
(Also are there any free "advice centres" or "legal advice centres" in Germany?
This is really important so please don't put a load of sarcastic comments. Cheers.
Well, German socialism is very generous with welfare. If she is no longer welcome in her stedad's house, she can apply for welfare. She will probably get it.
Cabra West
08-12-2006, 22:41
You could tell her to contact the Jugendamt in the town where she is. They will be able to provide all information on what financial aid she can get, what kind of support there is and what all her options are.
Citizenship doesn't necessarly have to be an issue.
Farnhamia
08-12-2006, 22:41
Since you say she's not a German citizen, I take it she's an American citizen. She should contact the nearest US consulate or the Embassy in Berlin. If she's under 18 there may be additional legal complicatoins, but she ought to at least seek professional legal help, and the US representatives in Germany is where I would start.
Iztatepopotla
08-12-2006, 22:45
Why are they in Germany? If she's only a temporary resident who immigrated as a dependent, she'll probably have to go back to the US; if they immigrated as permanent residents most likely she'll be able to stay and entitled to some benefits.
Multiland
08-12-2006, 22:45
Since you say she's not a German citizen, I take it she's an American citizen. She should contact the nearest US consulate or the Embassy in Berlin. If she's under 18 there may be additional legal complicatoins, but she ought to at least seek professional legal help, and the US representatives in Germany is where I would start.
How can that help her though? Doesn't the US Embassy/Consulate only deal with major international matters (eg. abduction of their citizens, etc)?
Iztatepopotla
08-12-2006, 22:47
How can that help her though? Doesn't the US Embassy/Consulate only deal with major international matters (eg. abduction of their citizens, etc)?
Nope. The Consulate provides many kinds of assistance to citizens. The Embassy is the government-government contact.
Cabra West
08-12-2006, 22:49
Nope. The Consulate provides many kinds of assistance to citizens. The Embassy is the government-government contact.
True. But they would only be able to provide her with assistance for going back to the states. They wouldn't be able to provide much assistance if she wants to stay in Germany. For that, they'll probably advise her to contact the Jugendamt.
Farnhamia
08-12-2006, 22:52
How can that help her though? Doesn't the US Embassy/Consulate only deal with major international matters (eg. abduction of their citizens, etc)?
Not at all, the Embassy or consulate is there to help US citizens in need. Certainly, if she drives a tank through the gates she'll get more attention, but if I were in trouble overseas, that'd be the first place I went.