Guide
Clear answers to your legal questions
Regular, checked articles — from notice periods to settling a claim after an accident.
Notional Repair Costs: Cash Instead of Repairs – Is That Allowed?
After an accident that wasn't your fault, you don't have to have your car repaired – you can take the cost of the damage as a cash payment instead. I explain what you need to watch out for and where the limits lie.
General Civil LawI've received a fake debt-collection letter – is it fraud, and what should I do now?
Something about that debt-collection letter feels off? Here's how to spot a forgery, secure the evidence and protect yourself properly – without paying a penny.
Real Estate LawProperty Tax Suddenly Much Higher in Your 2026 Service Charge Statement – Do You Have to Pay It?
The property tax reform is now feeding through into your service charge statement – often adding 30 to 100 per cent. What to check before you pay.
Contract LawDoes my online shop need a withdrawal button from June 2026?
Since 19 June 2026, many online shops have needed an electronic withdrawal function. I explain who the duty applies to, how the button must look, and what a breach can cost you.
Employment LawPlanning parental leave in several blocks – does dismissal protection apply afresh to each one?
If you take parental leave in several separate blocks, it is only natural to wonder whether dismissal protection covers just the first block. The answer turns on each notification individually – with clear deadlines.
General Civil LawA used car breaks down shortly after purchase – who has to prove the defect was already there?
A gearbox failure after four weeks, engine trouble after two months: often it is not the buyer who has to prove the defect existed at the point of sale – it is the dealer who has to prove the opposite.
Contract LawYour warranty now extends by twelve months when goods are repaired (in force since 31 July 2026) — what the 'right to repair' means for you
Since 31 July 2026, a repair extends your statutory warranty period by twelve months. I explain who this applies to, how the new period is calculated, and what to watch for the next time something goes wrong.
General Civil LawHow much of your salary can be garnished from July 2026?
On 1 July 2026 the exempt amounts protected from wage garnishment rose. I explain how much net pay you keep, how maintenance obligations affect the figure, and what you can do now if your wages are being attached.
Real Estate LawSubletting Your Flat for a Profit — Can the Landlord Terminate Your Tenancy Over It?
Subletting your flat at a profit can cost you more than a strained relationship with your landlord. I explain when termination becomes a real risk and how to handle it properly.
Inheritance LawNamed in an Inheritance Contract but the Assets Were Given Away: Can I as a Contractual Heir Reclaim the Gift?
Your testator was bound by an inheritance contract and gave assets away anyway? I explain when you, as a contractual heir, can recover the gift under § 2287 BGB.
Employment LawBMW Job Cuts: Should You Accept the Severance Offer or Not?
BMW is cutting 8,000 jobs — through a voluntary severance programme. If you receive an offer, don't sign in haste. Here's what really matters now.
General Civil LawLocal court or regional court – where must I file my claim since 2026?
Since 1 January 2026, claims worth up to 10,000 euros are heard by the local court (Amtsgericht) rather than the regional court (Landgericht) – with no requirement to instruct a lawyer. What this means for your claim, your solicitor and your costs.
General Civil LawDo Children Have to Pay for Their Parents? What Lies Behind the Planned End of the €100,000 Threshold
Politicians and the press are debating scrapping the €100,000 income threshold for parental support. No draft bill exists. The real dangers today lie elsewhere — above all in old gifts. I will review your case.
Real Estate LawAir Conditioning on the Balcony: Must the Owners' Association Approve a Split Unit?
With § 20 WEG, the legislator created a clear right to install an air-conditioning split unit – yet owners' associations often reject such applications out of hand. When you can enforce the installation and how I can represent you.
Real Estate LawRental Law Reform 2026: What Lies Ahead for Tenants and Landlords
The planned 'Tenancy Law II' reform is intended to tighten the rent cap and strengthen tenants against termination. It is not yet in force — I review your contracts and ongoing proceedings under the law as it currently stands.
Contract LawProperty Developer Contract: Must I Pay the Final Instalment as Soon as the Flat Is Ready to Move Into?
The developer demands the final instalment the moment you can move in – yet lists of defects are still stuck to the walls. The MaBV instalment rules put buyers on the front foot: ready to occupy is not the same as fully completed.
Real Estate LawOwner-Occupation Notice After Conversion into a Family Partnership (GbR) – Does the Ten-Year Blocking Period Still Apply?
Anyone who transfers a converted rental flat to a family partnership (GbR) in order to give notice for owner-occupation must, on the wording of section 577a BGB, still expect a blocking period of up to ten years.
Employment LawDismissal Sent by Registered Post – Is Receipt Actually Proven?
Your employer relies on the proof of posting and the postal tracking status? Under recent case law of the Federal Labour Court, that alone is not enough to prove that the notice of dismissal was received.
Real Estate LawWho Pays What When You Sell a House – Notary, Land Registry, Estate Agent?
Notary fees, land registration, estate agent commission, property transfer tax: it is often unclear who bears which costs when a house is sold. I make sure the purchase contract sets it out clearly and on a sound legal footing.
Employment LawWhat Happens at the Conciliation Hearing before the Labour Court?
You have received a summons to a conciliation hearing from the Munich or Rosenheim Labour Court and are unsure what to expect? I explain the procedure, your obligations and your prospects – and represent you in person.
General Civil LawReceived a debt collection letter – do I really have to pay?
A debt collection agency is demanding money and threatening further costs? I check whether the claim is actually justified, whether it may already be time-barred, and whether the fees demanded are lawful.
Contract LawForming a GmbH – what costs and deadlines should I plan for?
Anyone wanting to form a GmbH quickly trips up on share capital, the notary appointment and the commercial register. I'll show you which steps are actually necessary — and where you'll lose time if you try to do it alone.
Traffic AccidentsTotal loss after an accident – what does the insurer actually pay?
The other party's insurer declares your car a total loss – but is the settlement correct? I explain how the compensation is calculated and where insurers tend to pay too little.
Inheritance LawThe community of heirs can't agree – how do I divide the estate?
If co-heirs are blocking things, the estate doesn't have to remain undivided forever. I'll show you how to enforce the division, if necessary even against the resistance of others.
Real Estate LawHow much is the landlord allowed to raise the rent?
Post arrives: a rent increase. I explain what limits the law sets and how to check whether your landlord is keeping within them.
Employment LawReceived a summary dismissal – is it actually lawful?
Has your employer dismissed you summarily and you're not sure whether it's lawful? I'll review the dismissal and your deadlines — quickly and reliably.
Contract LawIs my website affected by the BFSG?
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has applied since 28 June 2025. When your website must be accessible – and when the micro-enterprise exemption applies.
Employment LawReceived a dismissal? You have only three weeks
After a dismissal, a short deadline decides everything: anyone who wants to challenge it must file a claim within three weeks. What this means for you.
Inheritance LawCertificate of inheritance at the Ebersberg Probate Court — how to apply
Without a certificate of inheritance, banks and the land registry often won't act. How to apply for one at the Ebersberg Probate Court, and what to watch out for.
Employment LawAm I entitled to severance pay if I've been dismissed?
Many people assume every dismissal automatically comes with severance pay — it doesn't. When a genuine entitlement actually arises, and how to enforce it.
Real Estate LawHaving a property purchase contract reviewed — what should I look out for?
The notary explains the purchase contract but does not check that it protects your interests. What to look out for before notarisation, and why a lawyer's review is worthwhile.
Inheritance LawHow much is my compulsory portion and how do I claim it?
Excluded from an inheritance? How much your compulsory portion (Pflichtteil) is worth, what right to information you have against the heirs, and how I enforce it for you.
Employment LawHow much severance pay is typical?
The well-known rule of thumb 'half a month's salary per year' is only a practical guideline — not a law. What actually determines your severance pay.
Traffic AccidentsDoes the other driver's insurer pay for my lawyer after an accident?
Many people avoid instructing a lawyer after a road traffic accident for fear of the cost. Where liability is clear, the other party's insurer generally covers the legal fees too.
Real Estate LawWhen may a landlord give notice for personal use?
Personal use (Eigenbedarf) is the most common ground for termination under German tenancy law — but not every justification stands up. What the landlord must prove, and how to defend yourself.
Inheritance LawRenouncing an inheritance — by when, and how?
An inheritance can also consist of an over-indebted estate. By when you must renounce it, how that works, and what applies once the deadline has passed.
Employment LawSettlement agreement: what about the suspension of unemployment benefit?
A settlement agreement sounds like a quick, amicable solution — but it can become costly if the employment agency imposes a suspension period. What to watch out for beforehand.
Traffic AccidentsHow much compensation for pain and suffering after a road traffic accident?
There are no fixed amounts for pain-and-suffering compensation — the sum depends on the nature, duration and impact of your injury. I quantify your claim based on the medical records.
Real Estate LawWhen must the landlord repay the deposit?
There is no fixed statutory repayment deadline — only a reasonable period for review. What that means for you and when you can demand your deposit back.
Contract LawReceived a cease-and-desist letter over your imprint or T&Cs — what now?
A cease-and-desist letter over a defective imprint or invalid terms and conditions calls for fast but considered action. What to watch out for now — and why you shouldn't simply sign the enclosed declaration to cease and desist.
Inheritance LawWho inherits if there is no will?
Without a will, statutory succession applies. Who inherits, what share the surviving spouse receives, and what this means for you in Landkreis Ebersberg.
Traffic AccidentsDo I have to pay for an accident expert report myself?
Where liability is clear, you don't have to pay for an expert report after an accident yourself — it counts as necessary damages and is reimbursed by the other driver's insurer.
Real Estate LawDo I have to redecorate when I move out?
Many redecoration clauses (Schönheitsreparaturen) in tenancy agreements are invalid. How to recognise them, and why rigid schedules usually don't hold up.
Contract LawWhat must my website's imprint (Impressum) contain?
An incomplete imprint can trigger a formal warning notice (Abmahnung). Which details § 5 of the Digital Services Act (DDG) requires on every website — and how to avoid costly mistakes.
General Civil LawCustomer won't pay — reminder, debt collection, or a lawyer straight away?
An invoice is overdue and the customer isn't responding: what actually helps now — your own reminder, a debt collection agency, or instructing a lawyer — and what matters most.
Traffic AccidentsAm I entitled to a rental car after an accident that wasn't my fault?
After an accident you weren't at fault for, you are entitled to a rental car or loss-of-use compensation — as part of your claim for damages against the other driver's insurer.
Contract LawWhen is a GmbH managing director personally liable?
A GmbH doesn't always protect against personal liability. When a managing director must personally answer to the company for breaches of duty — and what additional liability risks arise in a crisis.
General Civil LawHow does the German court order for payment procedure work?
The debtor still isn't paying despite a reminder: how the court order for payment procedure (Mahnverfahren) works, which court has jurisdiction in Bavaria, and what happens after a Mahnbescheid.
Contract LawTerms and conditions for my online shop — what needs to be included?
Standard terms and conditions for an online shop must be validly incorporated into the contract and must not unreasonably disadvantage customers. What legally sound shop terms and conditions must contain — including the right of withdrawal.
General Civil LawReceived an enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid) — what now?
An enforcement order has landed in your letterbox: what it means, what deadline is now running, and how you can still defend yourself against an unjustified claim.
General Civil LawHow long can a claim still be pursued?
An old invoice, an outstanding claim from previous years: how long it remains enforceable, when the limitation period begins, and what you should watch out for now.
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