Rechtsstand Herbst 202643 life situations645 topic pages41 roadmapsFree, no account
Roadmaps
41 roadmaps for situations where many steps with deadlines come together. You answer a few questions and get the next steps in the right order, with deadlines, documents, responsible offices and links to the topic pages. Your answers stay in the browser.
- I have received a cease-and-desist letter (Abmahnung)Cease-and-desist letter (Abmahnung) over file sharing, a photo, music in a video, a statement about a person, legal notice (Impressum) or ad labelling, a trademark or data protection: how to keep the deadline, avoid signing too quickly, spot a forgery, tell the demands apart and find help. Cease-and-desist letters from an employer or a landlord have their own roadmaps.22 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have trouble with my employer – pay, warning, overtime, referencePay is missing or too low, a warning, unpaid overtime, a poor reference, bullying, or leave or sick pay is refused: how to secure evidence, meet deadlines and enforce your rights during an ongoing employment relationship.19 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I want to apply for something from an authority, but I get no answer or am treated badlyJobcenter, social welfare office (Sozialamt), Agentur für Arbeit (employment agency), pension insurance, health insurance fund, Familienkasse (family benefits office), Bürgeramt (citizens' office) or immigration office (Ausländerbehörde): how to make an application properly and prove it, what the authority may demand in documents, and what helps when nobody answers. Also advance payments, access to your file, data access requests and complaint routes.21 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I received a notice of decision and I disagree with itNotice of decision (Bescheid) from the Jobcenter, social welfare office, pension insurance, health or long-term care insurance fund, employment agency or another authority: how to keep deadlines, file an objection, use urgent legal protection, and what helps if you missed the deadline or the authority is not acting.22 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I have been the victim of fraud or a scamPhishing, fake shop, subscription trap, grandchild scam, identity theft or investment fraud: how to block accounts, get your money back from your bank, PayPal or card provider, withdraw from or contest contracts, and fend off unjustified demands. Also: reporting to the police, evidence and help for victims.21 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have received a hearing questionnaire or a fine noticeHearing questionnaire (Anhörungsbogen), witness questionnaire, warning or fine notice (Bußgeldbescheid), whether from road traffic or the public order office: what you have to say and what you do not, how to meet the 2-week objection deadline, and what matters for payment, driving bans and points.18 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I am turning 18 and live in a group home or foster family – what happens next?You live in a children's home, a residential group, supervised housing or a foster family and are turning 18 or are already older: how to apply for and extend support for young adults, plan the transition, secure your money, your health insurance and a place of your own, and who helps you if you have a dispute with the Jugendamt (youth welfare office).18 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I am hiring someone for the first timeMini-job, part-time, full-time, working student, trainee or domestic help: which number you need, where to register the person, what belongs in the contract, which deadlines run from the first working day and which subsidies and reimbursements may come into consideration.20 steps · 4 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - A relative has died – what do I have to do now?Death certificate, funeral, will, accepting or disclaiming an inheritance, debts, certificate of inheritance (Erbschein), bank accounts, home, widow's and orphan's pension, compulsory portion (Pflichtteil), inheritance tax and land register: what comes up in which order and which deadlines are running.21 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I am receiving an invoice, reminder or debt collection notice for money I do not oweInvoice, reminder, debt collection, payment order (Mahnbescheid), enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid), bailiff: how to check a claim, dispute it in writing and which deadlines run in court.16 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - It's about my driving licenceGetting a driving licence, exchanging a foreign or old licence, loss, probationary period, points, withdrawal by the authority or a criminal court, MPU and reissue: which deadline is running, what the driving licence authority requires and where to find free help.28 steps · 4 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have received mail from a courtPayment order, lawsuit, judgment, penalty order, summons or cost invoice: work out what the letter is, see the right deadline from the date on the yellow envelope, and find out where to get free help.27 steps · 4 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have experienced violence or been the victim of a crimeViolence in a relationship or family, stalking, assault, sexual violence, burglary or robbery: how to protect yourself now, secure evidence, meet the deadlines for a criminal complaint and for the home, and which help, support and compensation come into consideration.19 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have lost my jobThe next steps in the right order, with deadlines, documents and responsible offices.18 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - We are expecting a childFrom pregnancy to the first birthday: maternity protection, maternity allowance, paternity and custody, child benefit, parental allowance, parental leave, daycare and returning to work, in the right order.21 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - My health insurer should pay for a benefit or has refusedFor people with statutory health insurance: how to apply for a benefit properly, use the insurer's decision deadlines, object (Widerspruch) to a refusal and, if it is urgent, turn to the social court. Also covers exemption from co-payments, contribution arrears and switching insurers.17 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have been ill for a long timeSick note, continued pay, sickness benefit, request to apply for rehabilitation, phased return to work, dismissal: what to do and when.12 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - The goods you bought are defectiveBroken, incomplete or not as described: how to report the defect, what repair or replacement can achieve, and when withdrawal from the contract, a price reduction, arbitration or a lawsuit come into consideration.16 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I can't pay my rentRent arrears, termination without notice, eviction lawsuit, eviction date: what is still possible at each stage – and who can save your home.11 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I am being insulted, threatened or exposed onlineHate comments, false claims, threats, a published address (doxxing), intimate images, stalking or a fake profile: how to secure evidence, file a report and a criminal complaint in time, have content removed, have your address blocked and where to get help.22 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - A relative needs careFrom the phone call from the hospital to ongoing care: time off work, care level, power of attorney, benefits, your job and your own relief, in the right order.13 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - My flight or trip went wrongFlight cancelled, delayed or overbooked, luggage gone, train late, package holiday with defects: what to secure now, what to demand in writing and how to enforce it without a lawyer.20 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I'm retiring soon, can't work because of illness, or I have mail from the pension insuranceOld-age pension, reduced earning capacity pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) or a notice from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance): when to apply, how to check notices and keep deadlines, and what help may be available if your pension is small. With a deadline calculator for the pension application, objection and lawsuit.19 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I want to be exempted from the broadcasting contribution, I have received mail from the Beitragsservice, or I am being asked to payBroadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag): how an exemption for people on social benefits, a hardship application or the reduction with the RF mark (Merkzeichen RF) usually works. Also: what to do about registration, assessment notices, reminders and enforcement, and how to report a move, second home, shared flat or death correctly.20 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have debts I can no longer payWhen your money no longer covers all the instalments: how to protect your bank account, home and electricity, how to react to garnishment and the bailiff, how to seek an agreement with free debt counselling (Schuldnerberatung), and when consumer insolvency with discharge of residual debts (Restschuldbefreiung) comes into consideration.19 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I want to have a degree of disability determined or I have a notice from the pension office (Versorgungsamt)Application to the Versorgungsamt (pension office), severe disability marks (Merkzeichen), severe disability card and equivalence (Gleichstellung): how to prepare the application well, check a notice of decision, keep deadlines and which compensations for disadvantages usually come into consideration.21 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I'm going self-employed – trade business or liberal profession, full-time or on the sideStarting up as a trade business (Gewerbe) or liberal profession (freier Beruf), alongside a job or from unemployment: which registrations are required and by when, how you insure yourself for health, pension and unemployment, which funding must be applied for before you start and which tax obligations will come up on an ongoing basis.23 steps · 4 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - My account has been blocked or terminatedSocial media account blocked, post or video deleted, monetisation withdrawn, seller account on a marketplace blocked, PayPal balance frozen or bank account terminated: how to check whether the message is genuine, secure evidence and data, demand a statement of reasons, file a complaint and use mediation, supervisory authority or court.22 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - My tax assessment is wrong or I cannot pay the additional taxYour income tax assessment differs from your return, the tax office estimated your income, a late-filing surcharge was imposed or the additional tax is too high: how to keep the objection deadline, have payment suspended or deferred, and what helps with a reminder or an attachment.19 steps · 5 phases
Stand As of November 2026Open roadmap - I have to or want to file a tax returnFor employees, pensioners, students, single parents and people with a mini-job or side job: whether you have to file, which deadlines apply, how to file with ELSTER or with help, and what helps if you are late or the tax office estimates your tax. The roadmap ends when you submit; there is a separate roadmap for the tax assessment notice.21 steps · 5 phases
Stand As of November 2026Open roadmap - Criminal proceedings are under way against meQuestionnaire for the accused (Anhörungsbogen), summons, search, penalty order (Strafbefehl), indictment or judgment: how to use your right to remain silent, keep the deadlines for objection and appeals, find a defence lawyer and what matters after the proceedings. Proceedings for regulatory offences (Ordnungswidrigkeiten) have their own roadmap.21 steps · 5 phases
Stand As of November 2026Open roadmap - I'm a student – and money, time or nerves aren't enoughStarting your studies, BAföG rejected, parents not paying, exam failed, a break or dropping out: which steps and deadlines matter now.24 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - We are separatingSeparation and divorce step by step: home, children, maintenance, money, separation year and divorce petition.18 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I'm moving – what do I have to report and apply for, and when?Registration at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office), car, broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag), electricity, internet, Jobcenter, housing benefit (Wohngeld), child benefit (Kindergeld) and tax office: what you usually have to report when moving within Germany or abroad, and which deadlines apply. Questions about terminating the tenancy, deposit and handover of a rented flat are covered in the roadmap on rented housing.20 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I had an accident – road accident or accident at workRoad accident by car, bike or on foot, accident at work or on the way to or from work, suspected occupational disease or another accident: what to do immediately, whom to report the accident to and by when, what damage is usually compensated and what helps if the insurer or the employers' liability insurance association does not pay.20 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I rent out a flat, and I have questions or troubleFor private small landlords with one or a few flats: re-letting, settling service charges, raising the rent, tenant not paying, personal-use termination (Eigenbedarf), defects, move-out and deposit, tax. Which form and deadline apply in each case, and what you had better not do.22 steps · 4 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - My insurer is not paying or refuses to payContents, building, liability, motor, legal expenses, occupational disability, accident, private health, travel or phone insurance: report a claim correctly, react to a refusal or termination, get free mediation and see the short termination deadlines.22 steps · 4 phases
Stand As of November 2026Open roadmap - I want to get out of a contract or subscriptionWithdrawal within 14 days, the cancellation button, contract terms, special termination on a price increase or a move, contracts forced on you: which route fits your situation.17 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I want to plan ahead – power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, guardianship, willPlan ahead for yourself or act for a relative who can no longer decide for themselves: power of attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht), guardianship directive (Betreuungsverfügung), advance healthcare directive (Patientenverfügung), emergency representation between spouses, guardianship proceedings and will. With the deadline for appealing against a guardianship order.18 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap - I'm having trouble with my rented flatRent increase, termination by the landlord, service charge statement, deposit, defects, your own termination, rent that is too high: what you should check as a tenant, which deadlines are running and who helps free of charge.22 steps · 5 phases
As of October 2026Open roadmap - I am supposed to testify as a witnessSummons from the police, public prosecutor's office or a court: whether you have to go, when a right to refuse to testify or to refuse to answer may apply, what protective rights exist for victims and how to get travel costs and loss of earnings reimbursed.21 steps · 5 phases
As of November 2026Open roadmap
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