When Origin Doesn’t Grant Belonging I never imagined I would have to explain to a civil registrar why my child doesn’t legally carry my name. In early 2014, in a notary’s office…
Category: English Language
Where Goethe Meets Aristotle — And Where German Family Law Forgot Them Both
1. Introduction, Germany gave us Goethe. Yet its justice system has forgotten what he stood for. Goethe was not just a poet; he was a thinker of rare depth, a scientist of…
What Kind of Generation Are We Raising?
Introduction: From “Toughen Up” to “Are You Okay?” Those of us born in the 1970s grew up in a world that was beginning to recognize the value of psychology and emotional intelligence—but…
A Week Without My Car: What I Learned on the Bus
Introduction: A Mechanical Problem, A Human Opportunity Last week, my car went to the mechanic. Nothing major—just one of those necessary repairs we tend to postpone until it’s no longer avoidable. I…
“Drowning in a Spoonful of Water”: The Quiet Struggle of Single Parents
Introduction: A Greek Truth in a Global Reality There’s a saying in Greek:“Πνίγομαι σε μια κουταλιά νερό.”“I’m drowning in a spoonful of water.” It captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by things…
Reconciliation Beyond the Courtroom: Why My Children’s Mother Will Always Matter
Introduction: More Than a Legal Matter In family law, especially in systems like Germany’s, there’s a strong emphasis on conciliation—finding a solution that works for everyone without assigning clear winners or losers….
The Court and the Law – A Personal Journey Through Family Justice Systems
When I filed my petition requesting sole custody of my children, my knowledge of the German legal system was extremely limited. However, I had already been exposed to Family Law in other…
Patterns, Rules, and Bias: What Chess and Law Have in Common
In Stefan Zweig’s Schachnovelle (Chess Novella), a man imprisoned during wartime survives by mastering a stolen chess book. With no one to play against, he internalizes moves, strategies, and mental games. When…
Competence Conflict: Who Should Decide in Urgent Family Law Cases?
Introduction When urgent decisions must be made about a child’s wellbeing, who has the competence to decide? In Germany, it’s often a social worker. In Greece, it’s a judge. This contrast reveals…
Enhancing Family Law Through Comparative
IntroductionComparative law isn’t just about evaluating different legal systems; it’s about understanding how they can inform and improve each other. The goal is not merely to critique but to foster a more…