What Is Legal Aid for Divorce?
Legal aid (Verfahrenskostenhilfe/VKH) is state coverage or subsidization of court proceeding costs. It enables people with low income to exercise their legal rights without being blocked by costs. For divorce, VKH covers both court fees and attorney fees.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who cannot afford the costs of proceedings, either fully, partially, or only in installments. The key factor is disposable income after deducting specific allowances: an allowance of €619 for yourself (plus €282 if you are employed), €393 to €518 per dependent depending on age (€496 for adults), and reasonable housing costs.
How to Calculate Your Eligibility
Take your monthly net income after separation. Subtract the allowance of €619 (plus €282 if employed). Subtract the age-based allowance of €393 to €518 per person you support. Subtract your monthly housing costs. If the result is €20 or less, you're likely eligible for full legal aid.
What's Covered?
With approved VKH, the state covers full court costs and attorney fees per the RVG. If installment payments are possible, VKH is granted conditionally: you repay costs in monthly installments over up to 48 months.