Divorce with separation year

The separation year is intended to give spouses one last chance for reconciliation and enough time to think about this life-changing decision.

Benefits and key legal facts

The law provides many guidelines that couples must adhere to. These include, for example, the separation year that couples must go through before a divorce can be final. This topic raises many questions, such as:

• How much does the divorce cost?
• How soon can you file for divorce?
• What all do you need for the divorce?
• How quickly can you get a divorce?

So that you are prepared for the divorce and the separation year, we answer all the important questions for you!

Legal requirements – cooling-off period with fixed rules

Marriage and the family are regarded as one of the most important social institutions in the legal system. The separation year is therefore intended to act as a preventive measure against possibly wrong, purely emotional and only temporary decisions that could be regretted afterwards. Even if the separation year is seen by many married couples as harassment or pure burden, the intention behind the regulation is clear. The decision should be able to be reviewed and possibly revised in the given time. In addition, the time is useful to take care of some things that are important for the further course of the divorce, such as the divorce settlement agreement.

Although there is an obligation to prove that the separation year has been completed, it is not possible to apply to the court for the beginning of the year or to have it notarised. It therefore makes sense to record the beginning in writing. A shortening or even a complete omission of the separation year can only be brought about by a hardship decision of the court according to § 1565 paragraph 2. An example for such a decision can be extreme domestic violence, which the court classifies as undue hardship.

• The separation year should be considered as a reflection period for the couple
• Shortening of the year of separation shall be permitted only in special cases

Benefits – the advantages and disadvantages for married couples

The separation year should not only be used to review the right decision, but can also be used to arrange important things for the divorce. These things include, for example, the insurance or the divorce settlement. In particular, health insurance must be rewritten and amended, since spouses are usually insured together in a family insurance. However, joint rental agreements for real estate must also be amended and rewritten at an early stage. In addition, the joint bank accounts, if any, should be separated and joint financial obligations, such as credits and loans, should be dissolved.

Probably the most important, however, is the divorce settlement agreement. This can be determined by the spouses during the separation period in order to avoid costly negotiations before the family court. In this agreement, practical things such as the contact with the children, their maintenance and custody as well as the handling of property matters, the own maintenance and the fair division of the household goods are regulated. If the spouses are in agreement, this document will help with a quick and inexpensive divorce. The document must be notarised by a notary public and always be set down in writing in order to be valid in court.

• The separation year can be used to clarify important matters for the divorce
• A divorce settlement agreement can be drawn up by the couple to simplify the divorce process.

Reconciliation in the separation year – the legal framework conditions

The separation year primarily provides reflection time for both partners to think through the situation and the marriage from the bottom up and not make the decision to divorce thoughtlessly. Reconciliation during the separation year is therefore not uncommon, as the partners often find their way back to each other. However, such reconciliations are subject to legal frameworks to accurately determine the impact on the separation year.

Attempts at reconciliation – when is the separation year interrupted?

Attempts at reconciliation during the separation year are permitted by law, but are subject to certain guidelines. Attempts at reconciliation that are only short-lived and usually do not last longer than three months do not lead to an interruption of the separation year. The time during which the separation was interrupted therefore counts towards the 12 months of the separation year. For any attempts beyond three months, the family court will assume that the couple have reconnected. The couple also has the option of withdrawing the divorce petition themselves within this year. If the divorce is still to be carried out after this period, a new petition for divorce must be filed and the separation year starts all over again.

During the separation year, the partners should therefore think carefully about the reasons that led to the separation in the first place and whether a reconciliation is possible in their own interest or not. Both partners should therefore not rush the separation year and take things rather slowly. As nice as the idea of a reconciliation is, in some situations the relationship is simply too shattered for another attempt.

• Attempts at reconciliation of about three months do not interrupt the separation year
• In the separation year, attempts at reconciliation by partners should always be approached slowly

Questions & Answers

Especially in the case of contentious divorces, the legal situation is not always clear and there are many unanswered questions for the spouses. So that you know exactly about the regulations around the separation year, the most important questions.

Can you file for divorce before the separation year?

In principle, the divorce can only be filed after the separation year, because according to German law, the spouses must live at least one year apart before the divorce may be filed. Only in special exceptional cases, the divorce can be filed before.

Can the divorce be denied?

Divorce can be refused by the spouse in principle. However, this is not possible on a permanent basis, as a compulsory divorce can be decided by the court after three years at the latest.

Who pays the costs in a divorce?

The court determines the costs of the proceedings, including the lawyer’s fees. These are divided so that each party pays its own legal fees and half of the court costs.

How to shorten the separation year?

The separation year cannot generally be shortened. Shortening or omitting the separation year is generally only possible if there is evidence of hardship.

What all do you need for the divorce?

The following documents are always required for a divorce: Marriage certificate or family record book in the original or certified copy, the birth certificates of the minor children and possible marriage contracts and/or divorce settlement agreements.

How long does it take from divorce petition to divorce?

The length of the divorce usually depends on whether it is amicable or contested. Amicable divorces can take between one and six months, while contested divorces can take more than a year.

How much does a simple divorce cost?

The costs of a divorce are determined by the court and are based on the value of the proceedings. To calculate this value, the income and assets of the spouses are included.

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Taxes & duties in Germany: income, corporation, assets

Taxes in a nutshell: In general, a tax is defined as a certain financial contribution to the state, which has to be paid on wages, income or assets. The word tax comes from Middle or Old High German and can commonly be translated as “support” or “support”. This is apt in that taxes serve as the main source of government revenue and are thus essential to the state. They form the primary portion of the state budget, which in turn finances and makes expenditures in the interest of the common good.

About three quarters of tax revenue in Germany is collected from just six types of tax:

• Sales tax
• Income tax
• Wage tax
• Trade tax
• Corporation tax
• Import sales tax

Live at it: Tax Coaching – Experience & Tip

Want to become a real estate investor yourself? If you write about real estate, you need to educate yourself. More specifically, when it’s no longer just about owner occupancy, but also renting. Because, the biggest item on the expense side is taxes. The more you earn, the more taxes you have to pay – the problem is clearly defined, what to do? Learn from experience, from those who have made it. Many say that the Next Level Tax Coaching is the best in Germany. Reason enough to be there yourself.

Read more about tax coaching here:

• Real estate: Save taxes

Tax classification – business capital, property, land acquisition, etc.

What taxes are there? In addition to the taxes already mentioned, there are many other types of taxes, from A for general taxes to V for excise duties. For the sake of clarity, taxes in Germany are divided into categories according to certain criteria, depending on the perspective from which they are viewed. The following four tax classifications are common:

• Financial Statistical Classification
• Business classification
• Financial classification
• Classification for tax purposes

Let’s take a closer look at the tax classification: What are taxes on? On the one hand, there are taxes levied on income. These include, for example, trade income tax and trade capital tax, property tax, wealth tax and corporation tax. Together with the other taxes, they can be further divided into income taxes and other taxes.

Examples of income taxes

• Trade tax
• Licence tax
• Property tax
• Business capital tax

Examples of other taxes after income

• Wealth tax
• Income tax incl. church income tax
• Corporation tax
• Inheritance and gift tax

On the other hand, there are taxes on the use of income, i.e. types of taxes that are levied on purchases of goods or services or on savings. In addition to general taxes, these include consumption and excise taxes, taxes on real transactions and special taxes on legal transactions. The best-known types of tax here are sales tax and motor vehicle tax.

Examples of taxes on the use of income

• General taxes: Value added tax
• Taxes on consumption and excise duties: Mineral oil tax, Other taxes
• Real transport taxes: motor vehicle tax
• Special legal sales taxes: real estate transfer tax, insurance tax

Consumption and excise taxes declared as “other taxes” include taxes on salt and sugar, on coffee and tea, and on beverages (plus specific taxes on beer and sparkling wine). Tobacco products and illuminants are also among the products subject to excise duties. Furthermore, they include amusement tax as well as dog and hunting tax. Taxes paid on luxury horses and motorboats also fall under this collective term, as does the tax on second homes. Customs duties and casino taxes are special types of taxes and are therefore not included in the above scheme.

So it’s quickly apparent – if you don’t want to sacrifice your consumption or avoid spending by saving excessively, you should learn how tax saving works properly:

Direct and Indirect Taxes – Burden, Debt & Obligation to Pay

In addition to the general classification of taxes, there is also a distinction between direct taxes and indirect taxes. The criteria used for the classification or allocation are based on the one hand on the assessment and collection technique and on the other hand on the passability of the taxes. Furthermore, the tax capacity is examined.

Which taxes are considered direct or indirect is assessed on the basis of three criteria:

• Assessment and survey technique
• Overwhelmingness
• Tax capacity

In essence, however, only one simple question arises: who is the tax bearer and who is the tax debtor? After all, in the case of direct and indirect taxes, it is a question of the relationship between the person who bears the tax burden and the person who has an obligation to pay the authorities.

Direct taxes explained simply – income, car, corporation & land

Direct taxes are assessed and generally cannot be passed on. They are interpreted either personally or objectively, depending on the ability to pay. If someone is both a taxpayer and a debtor, he is considered a taxpayer and is directly responsible for paying all taxes due to the tax office.

Examples include:

• Income tax
• Vehicle tax
• Corporation tax
• Property tax

Wage and capital gains taxes are considered withholding taxes and are classified as direct taxes, although they do not follow the principle of immediacy.

Indirect taxes explained simply – mineral oil, electricity, tobacco & turnover

Indirect taxes are set on the basis of tariffs and are usually passed on in part or in full to the final purchaser. Their performance is indirect on the use of income and property transactions. If a taxpayer is not also a tax debtor, he pays the taxes due only indirectly, namely to the tax debtor. The tax debtor then forwards these indirect taxes as a taxpayer to the appropriate authority.

Common examples are:

• Mineral oil
• Electricity tax
• Tobacco tax
• Sales tax

It is easy for taxpayers to keep track of what taxes are being paid:

Tax Saving Tips: Marriage, rent, allowances & donations

So there are lots of taxes and many of them we pay without really being aware of it. This can quickly become expensive, especially for high earners who like to invest a lot. Saving taxes by investing is a good option in this context. It is therefore all the more important to know which tax breaks are available, which tax advantages can be of benefit to you and where taxes can be easily and efficiently saved or completely avoided.

Tax relief for child, severe disability, foundation & Co.

Tax allowances are state support measures and are granted in the case of reduced ability to pay, for example due to raising children, in the case of increased costs based on a disability, among other things, as well as for certain actions. The latter includes, for example, donating to a charitable organisation or foundation.

Tax benefits are provided by the following provisions:

• Advertising costs
• Special editions
• Exceptional charges
• Allowances

Tax advantage with marriage, renting, child benefit & Co.

Tax advantages arise from certain events, first and foremost marriage or the registration of a civil partnership, because then the so-called splitting of spouses’ income is applied. The selection of the right combination of tax brackets can also have a noticeable financial and, above all, tax effect in marriage and, last but not least, a partnership can result in a double lump-sum savings amount as well as significantly higher tax-free gift amounts.

Other factors for tax advantages are children in the sense of child benefit or child allowances. Classically, real estate also brings tax advantages: A condominium, for example, can result in tax advantages insofar as craftsmen’s work is carried out in an owner-occupied apartment or expenses are incurred when renting out the condominium.

Tax benefits for marriage, civil partnership:

• Marriage splitting
• Combination of tax classes
• Double saver’s allowance
• Tax-free gift amounts

Tax advantages with one or more children:

• Child benefit
• Child allowances

Real estate tax benefits:

• Handicraft work for owner-occupied dwelling
• Expenses in connection with the letting of property

Tax Coaching: Save taxes like the big boys

Due to the multitude of taxes and the many possibilities to receive subsidies or to secure tax advantages, it is not at all easy to make a general statement about tax savings. In addition, it makes a big difference whether the savings are to apply to a company or a private individual or freelancer in self-employment: A GmbH is set up there differently than a GbR, a pensioner has other possibilities than a sole proprietor or student. Particularly in the case of large and high-value capital investments, caution is required in order not to put one’s foot in one’s fiscal mouth.

Tax saving tools: up to date, high quality & serious

What is the best way to save on taxes? Figuring that out isn’t even that easy, because there is help available through different educational media. Some of them are paid, others are free. The most important criteria when choosing the right tax saving tool are timeliness, quality and seriousness.

Here are some examples of tax saving tools:

• Training and development
• Tax Coaching
• Tax consultancy
• Books and e-books
• Software and mobile apps
• Internet platforms (chats, forums, blogs)
• Internet portals
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)

Tax coaching & personal advice: learning from professionals

Further education and training measures are usually costly and time-consuming. In addition, they are often tied to certain prerequisites, such as a completed vocational training or several years of professional experience. This often lacks the time and financial resources, plus: the know-how to save taxes can only be a long-term goal here and does not give immediate help.

Alternatively, there is the possibility to participate in a tax coaching or seminar or webinar, but also here the factors of time and money are in the foreground. Due to the wide range of offers, it is also difficult to recognize reputable providers as such. An appointment with a tax consultant therefore seems to make sense, but the expertise here is usually charged at an extremely high cost. Precisely because of their studied expertise, it can also be difficult at the comprehension level to communicate clearly and technically correctly or to maintain an overview in the confusion of technical terms.

Tax Coaching Media: Book, CD & Mobile App

Books are, of course, a great option for those who love to read and want to gain knowledge in a DIY way. However, books quickly become outdated and the tax topic in particular is revisited every year. Moreover, the only way to tell which books are of quality is by looking at user reviews. However, these can also be purchased and many users prefer to comment rather than provide accurate product reviews. The price range for tax-saving guidebooks is on average 10.00 euros and usually between 200 and 1,000 pages per book.

E-books are often a little cheaper and can be accessed anywhere. The prerequisite here is, of course, a suitable technical device with sufficient storage space. The factors of topicality, quality and evaluation correspond to those of hard and soft cover books.

Books on tax saving are often heavy fare and tedious to read through.

Tax saving software is available in the form of CDs for the computer and apps for the tablet and smartphone owners. Here, too, many products are available and it is advisable to buy the latest version every year in order to stay up to date in terms of tax law. Assuming an end device that meets the technical requirements, the cost range for reputable programs on CD, for example, is around 20.00 euros to 40.00 euros and more.

The range of tax-saving apps is so extensive and confusing that a purchase – especially of a higher-priced product – should ideally only be made on the basis of a reliable recommendation. In both cases, the user-friendliness of the software can usually only be determined after purchase and installation on the end device.

Free of charge: Blogs, Portals, Networks

If you don’t want to spend money to learn more about efficient tax saving, the Internet is the right place to go: For saving taxes without spending money, there are many free online offers in the form of various Internet platforms, portals and social media networks that provide an extensive repertoire of tips, tricks and specialist information free of charge. Here, professional competence is the primary decision criterion, because tax tips should only be accepted from reputable sources.

Internet platforms: Tax saving tips in forum, chat room & blogs

Internet platforms: often dubious and arbitrary – On Internet platforms, for example, there are forums and chat rooms through which users can virtually exchange views on any or a given topic. The focus – and the risk – here is on personal opinions, subjective knowledge and individual thoughts. A blog, unlike forums and chats, is an often diary-like website that is publicly and unrestrictedly accessible to all web users. The information is completely subjective and of arbitrary content and is regularly expanded with further content. A certain seriousness cannot be assumed with internet platforms, as anyone can hide behind a virtual persona, user name or profile picture or pretend to be someone else. There is often a lack of orientation aids and clarity, so that research is time-consuming and yields questionable results.

Internet portals: Tips & tricks from tax experts

Internet portals: semi-serious marketing tools – Internet portals are also publicly accessible websites and usually have a lot of information on a concrete and specific topic. Some portals, on the other hand, publish a manageable amount of information on a variety of topics, so that expertise can only be assumed to a limited extent. Specific information must be filtered out and evaluated independently. However, many operators use Internet portals significantly to attract readers to their site and to win them as potential buyers for their paid products. In this sense, the web articles are to be understood as a marketing tool. Specific questions are not possible or desired, since many portals generate their articles via third-party authors and have only limited expertise in the various subject areas.

Tax optimization: “paying” taxes like Trump, Springer & Co.

If you want to understand how the “big guys” “pay” or save tax, then you should definitely also take a look at Lukinski. Actually a real estate agent for luxury properties, he often writes about tax saving tricks for entrepreneurs and companies in his blog.

• Convert taxes into assets

Here are two more examples of tax models from the blog:

US President Trump pays only 750 euros in income tax, according to the New York Times. It gets even better, Trump paid no income taxes in 10 out of 15 years starting in 2000, according to the New York Times. Are these questionable tax saving strategies or just tax optimization? How does he do it?

• US President pays only 750 euros income tax

Or here: Shares worth 1 billion, almost tax-free. “Billion-dollar gift for Springer CEO: shares largely tax-free”? Can I do that too? The entire share package has a volume of 15%. In the transfer, a law was exploited that should prevent the possible insolvency of companies. Due to the high volume, Axel Springer SE could…

• Gift worth billions: Shares largely tax-free

Social media networks: Influencer tips on Instagram, YouTube & Co.

Social media networks: only to be viewed with scepticism – In recent years, social media products have become more and more prominent and their use is now a matter of course for many. Since social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for example, are mostly flooded with misinformation and fake users due to a lack of moderation and verification, it is rather less suitable as a reliable source of information for specific and complex topics such as tax saving.

Influencers often use trend waves and marketing strategies to raise their own profile and generate more reach. The truthfulness of their posts should therefore always be met with a healthy degree of scepticism. In addition, most knowledgeable people tend not to publish their knowledge on social media platforms, but rather on their own websites or not at all.

The only exception are verified video channels on various video platforms such as YouTube, which usually provide free insights into their areas of expertise. The high quality of their videos can be easily deduced from likes and comments, whereby the latter, in contrast to product reviews on Amazon & Co. are usually formulated in a more critical and topic-specific manner. Often, a personal exchange with the channel owner via comments or private message is possible. Another advantage results from the video format itself, as the YouTube influencer can explain complex topics clearly and gestures, language and wording often make it much easier for the viewer/listener to understand.

Google Search with SEO, SEA & SEM

In the age of modern media, a general search usually starts with Google. But in fact, the virtual search engine is not that helpful, because the search algorithms are often not intuitively understandable, advertisements are placed upstream and push organic content off the first pages. If you don’t know the right operators, you will often lose a lot of time with Google Search and in the end you might not even find exactly what you are looking for. Search Engine Advertising (SEA) places paid ads for companies and entrepreneurs; keyword research only works to a limited extent because not all relevant content has been designed for Search Engine Optimization (SEO);

When it comes to Google search, be careful because Search Engine Marketing (SEM) doesn’t necessarily show you results that are relevant to you:

Search Keyword: save taxes

With the keyword “save taxes”, the top search results show a colourful mix of newspaper articles, business and employee advice, tax software and tax apps, internet portals and an online platform for scholarships. Stiftung Warentest, of course, also has year-end tax tips. Then there’s YouTube, Amazon and the usual ads from Google itself. So, according to search engine marketing (SEM), the most hits are for sites that offer their own tax-saving products or dispense a broad mass of information to a non-specific target audience instead of subject matter expertise.

Search Keyword: save taxes help

Even with the addition of “help”, Google lists the same suspects almost unchanged. In addition, there are the Aktuell Lohnsteuerhilfeverein e. V. and the Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe e. V., which only make their expertise on income tax available to club members for a fee and are primarily concerned with saving taxes as employees, pensioners, civil servants and students.

Search Keyword: save taxes seriously

Only at “Steuern sparen seriös” you will find a law firm and also a field report on Alex Fischer Steuer Coaching. Further down follows a YouTube recommendation to his YouTube channel.

But who is this Alex Fischer? A brief look at his curriculum vitae shows: Alex “Düsseldorf” Fischer is, by his own admission, an entrepreneur, real estate investor and business strategist. He is a book author and has a website with over 600 videos. Since May 2013, Alex Fischer has built up a following of 102,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel and convinces with almost 450 free explanatory videos on the topics of real estate, financing and also tax saving. His videos have so far (as of 10/2020) generated over 12.5 million views – an impressive figure for this range of topics.

After watching a few shorter videos, it becomes clear: Alex Fischer meets his viewers personally and at eye level. His charismatic demeanor and easy-to-understand explanations of even complex and dry topics such as pension statements and payment flows are certainly one of the reasons for the strong response on YouTube. The most popular video on the subject of “saving taxes” has been the one-hour contribution entitled “Save taxes by really understanding the tax game”. However, his YouTube channel also features many short videos with professional tips and tricks of around five to ten minutes in length, which are perfect for a short educational break to learn how to save taxes quickly and easily.

Theory & practice expertise through tax coaching

In a nutshell: The bottom line says that there are many different mediums and tax saving tools to gain knowledge. Especially the little tricks for everyday life with taxes can often be found without much effort. Ultimately, however, we definitely recommend tax coaching for investors and high earners.

Tax consultants – experts in tax declaration

It is not enough to find a tax expert who has acquired the theoretical knowledge during several years of study. A tax consultant, for example, undoubtedly possesses comprehensive expertise in the subject area of “taxes”, but his or her task essentially consists of keeping records of business cash flows, preparing annual financial statements and tax returns, and reviewing tax assessments. In addition, there are the wage and salary statements as well as the representation of one’s own clients in disputes. Accordingly, a tax consultant can cost a lot.

Their know-how therefore extends primarily to tax declaration and legal enforcement as well as to answering business management questions. In-depth individual and ongoing tax law advice and optimisation of tax structuring is rarely covered and if it is, you may fail due to your own lack of knowledge and understanding.

Are you looking for a good tax advisor near you? Read our recommendations all over Germany here! Find a tax consultant

Tax coaching – numerous offers offline & online

Following the principle of supply and demand in the market, there are masses of providers for tax coaching, design and optimization, and intensive tax consulting. As already mentioned above, the classic self-learning offers and educational media such as books, e-books, CDs and mobile apps are often only sufficiently helpful in terms of saving taxes.

Internet platforms are also full of providers without any significant expertise, let alone field-tested experience in the world of taxes. Especially on social media platforms, there are many young influencers who have just graduated from school or started their studies and, despite their lack of expertise, give lots of tips and advice. Their seriousness can and should therefore be questioned in any case and examined in detail in each individual case.

Taxes are a matter for the boss – practical experience counts

It is therefore essential to find a specialist who can come up with practical knowledge and knows the mistakes and pitfalls in tax law from personal experience. Someone like this has already experienced and overcome the problems you may be facing at the moment and knows exactly what you need to do and what works.

“Taxes are a matter for the boss” is a principle that is fully applicable here. Tax structuring can hardly be delegated to the tax advisor you trust, since he does not know your actual situation at all and even less knows which ideal you are aiming for. In the end, the management itself must develop a professional understanding in order to lead the tax advisors and staff positions in a targeted manner to where their knowledge can be used in the best interest of the company in order to advance and continuously improve the entire company.

Tip: Professional online tax coaching

With the above information and tax saving tips you are well prepared for saving taxes in everyday life. However, if you have already built up a certain amount of assets and invest a lot in capital and financial investments, you will only smile at these tips and tricks. With an annual income of more than 80,000 euros, the little 1×1 of tax saving is no longer enough, because then it gets really complicated and instead of cent amounts, it’s about four- and multi-digit euro amounts. For this reason it is often said: “Taxes are a matter for the boss”. Because only a boss who knows about taxes himself can take his company to the next level.

Successful real estate investor and entrepreneur Alex Fischer has already proven his expertise and has been playing in the top league in terms of tax law and entrepreneurship for several years. He shares 80% of his experience with the world for free via his YouTube channel. However, if you want to take your life into your own hands and reach the next level as a tax-savvy top entrepreneur, you should consider a comprehensive and content-rich tax coaching.

Apply for the Next Level Tax Coaching

After the application process, the welcome area awaits you with a personal video welcome from Alex Fischer. In addition to the basics and typical mistakes and traps in tax law, you can expect numerous chapters on the topic of “tax planning and tax optimization”. You will not only learn how to save taxes efficiently and how to take advantage of subsidies, but also how to structure your company better or how to put real estate into constructs. In total, you will receive eight weeks of professional tax content with a high level of information, you can personally exchange ideas with like-minded people and specialists and even participate in the success of the tax coaching yourself. The testimonials of those who have already participated in a tax coaching by Alex Fischer speak for themselves.

If you would like to learn more about Next Level Tax Coaching by Alex Fischer:

• Alex Fischer Tax Coaching – Application
• Tax Coaching Experiences – Participant Interviews

If you would like to read up a bit first, I recommend the FIV experience report. Here you can learn everything about the basics of Next Level Tax Coaching and follow our personal experiences week by week:

New! Finally done: Tax Coaching from AF

If you write about real estate, you have to educate yourself. More concretely, when it is no longer just about personal use, but also about renting. Because, the biggest item on the expense side is taxes. The more you earn, the more taxes you have to pay – the problem is clearly defined, what to do? Learn from experience, from those who have made it. Many say that the Next Level Tax Coaching is the best in Germany. Reason enough to take part yourself. You want to become a real estate investor yourself?

Read more about tax coaching here:

• Tax optimization: Coaching

Tip: Capital investment – portfolio, facts, risks

Our XXL guide to investments tells you everything you need to know about investments. From stocks and cars to precious metals and designer fashion to jewelry and asset management.

Capital investment XXL – real estate, cars and much more

Capital investment – 1,000 euros, 10,000 euros, 100,000 euros, 1 million euros from when is it worth investing in real estate, shares, funds, overnight money, cars and art? Consumers can use different possibilities to invest capital. There are many mistakes. Therefore, investors should know in advance what risks they actually want to take. For the final selection of the individual capital investment is important, how much capital you want to invest. Already knew? Real estate can offer additional tax advantages when investing capital.

• Investment XXL

Procedure, costs and the separation year – all the facts about divorce

Divorce is the last resort for many. Nevertheless, there are many facts to know in order to make a divorce as uncomplicated and pleasant as possible for all involved. We, the experts at IHV, therefore clarify all the important questions so that you can approach the subject of divorce with the necessary expertise.

The divorce process – step by step to divorce

The family court generally decides whether a divorce is amicable or contested. If a divorce is amicable between the two spouses, the divorce proceedings are very simple. If the separation year is completed, only the divorce and the pension equalization, which is usually carried out ex officio, must be decided. In such a case, one lawyer is sufficient for both spouses, which saves enormous divorce costs. Often even an online divorce for the spouses offers itself, whereby the time expenditure is enormously minimized and the costs are kept low. An amicable divorce can be greatly favoured by a divorce settlement agreement, which is already drawn up by the spouses during the separation year.

If there is a contested divorce, both spouses are required to be represented by their own attorneys. This increases the divorce costs for both parties enormously. The proceedings in contested divorces usually take longer than in amicable divorces and involve higher costs.

Learn more about the divorce process!

If the divorce date is set by family law, the spouses must appear in court with their legal representatives in the case of contested divorces or with joint counsel in the case of amicable divorces.

The divorce hearing begins with the so-called call to the matter, where the parties and the lawyers are asked into the courtroom and the public is excluded from the proceedings. First, the personal details are checked and a look is taken at the marriage certificate. The court then clarifies the expiry of the separation year and asks whether both spouses consider the civil partnership and conjugal life to have broken down. If either party is not convinced that the marriage has ended, the court will ask why and consider the merits of the case. However, if no successful attempts at reconciliation or inconsistent behaviour by the petitioner can be shown, the divorce may become final. Finally, the equalization of pensions and the subsequent matters in contested divorces are discussed. Once all relevant points have been clarified, the divorce decree or divorce order is issued. For this purpose, the public is re-established and the court announces the decision on both the divorce and possible consequential matters. With this step, the divorce is legally binding.

• The family court decides whether it is an amicable or contested divorce
• This fact affects the process and cost of divorce

Divorce with separation year – the most important facts

Marriage and the family are regarded as one of the most important social institutions in the legal system. The separation year is therefore intended to act as a preventive measure against possibly wrong, purely emotional and only temporary decisions that could be regretted afterwards. Even though the separation year is seen by many married couples as harassment or a pure burden, the intention behind the regulation is clear, to review and possibly revise the decision in the given time. In addition, the time is useful to take care of some matters that are important for the divorce process going forward. Although there is a requirement to prove that the separation year has been completed, it is not possible to apply to the court for the start of the year or have it notarised. It therefore makes sense to record the beginning in writing.

A shortening or even a complete omission of the separation year can only be brought about by a hardship decision of the court according to § 1565 paragraph 2. An example of such a decision can be extreme domestic violence, which the court classifies as undue hardship.

Attempts at reconciliation during the separation year are certainly permitted. However, these are subject to certain guidelines. Attempts at reconciliation that do not last longer than three months do not lead to an interruption of the separation year. The time during which the separation was interrupted therefore counts towards the 12 months of the separation year. For any attempts beyond three months, the family court will assume that the couple have reconnected. The couple also has the option of withdrawing the divorce petition themselves within this year. If the divorce is still to be carried out after this period, a new petition for divorce must be filed and the separation year starts all over again.

• To get a divorce, a couple must go through a separation year
• The separation year is subject to certain rules laid down in the law

The divorce settlement agreement – custody, maintenance and amicable divorce

In a divorce settlement agreement, all things concerning the marriage and the divorce can be regulated. In general, this agreement regulates how joint assets, joint children or similar things will be dealt with after the divorce. It is attempted to clarify all points that are normally settled during the divorce in advance, in order to make the divorce as simple as possible. To a divorce succession agreement belong in detail things like the maintenance. Here, both the separation maintenance for the period from the separation to the divorce and the post-marital spousal maintenance for the period after the divorce can be regulated.

The divorce settlement agreement also regulates the custody of joint children, their maintenance and, if necessary, the right of access for the non-caring parent. In addition, the divorce settlement agreement will specify how joint assets, such as the joint home or household effects, are to be dealt with. Other possible points of a divorce settlement agreement are the agreements on the equalisation of gains, exclusion of the legal matrimonial property regime of the community of gains and agreement on the separation of property, the waiver of the right to inheritance and the right to a compulsory portion and the continuation of the joint family name.

• The divorce settlement agreement helps to clarify a divorce by mutual consent in a quick and uncomplicated way.
• In the agreement, various issues can be settled between the spouses before the court date

The pension rights adjustment – procedure after the divorce

The pension entitlements are different for most married couples. This fact is due to the fact that one of the spouses has not worked for a certain period of time due to raising children, has been unemployed or has been employed in the public sector. To compensate for this difference, there is pension equalization, which is intended to ensure that both spouses have good retirement security. However, only the pension that was earned during the marriage period is taken into account. The pension earned is divided up in the divorce in such a way that both spouses leave the marriage with the same amount.

Since only the pension entitlements that were acquired during the marriage are included in the pension rights adjustment, the marriage period is decisive for the amount of the adjustment. The marriage period runs from the beginning of the month in which the marriage was entered into until the end of the month preceding the service of the divorce petition. If the period of marriage is less than three years, no pension equalisation has to be carried out on divorce unless one of the spouses insists on it.

Pension entitlements acquired during the separation period are also included in the pension rights adjustment. However, if the separation period is unusually long, it may be justified under certain circumstances to calculate the pension equalisation only for the period from the marriage until the separation. No pension equalization can be approved by the court only in divorces involving special misconduct. This case is when one spouse has massively threatened or injured the other.

• The pension rights adjustment regulates the pension entitlements of the spouses.
• The period of marriage is decisive for the amount of pension equalisation

Pension entitlement – splitting the pension after divorce

At first glance, the pension equalization is fair for both parties, but in practice it shows only problems with which the spouses have to struggle. It becomes particularly problematic for married couples who only divorce at an advanced age. Where both partners together were well provided for in old age, they often find themselves with only two poor households after the divorce. If a divorce is finalized at a young age, both parties still have the opportunity to supplement their pensions as they continue to work, while older couples often face financial ruin. So instead of a schematic division, it can often be more beneficial for older couples if one party keeps the pension rights and exchanges them for other assets, such as a property. So the legislation here is not entirely optimal, as it does not offer everyone the same opportunities and can be particularly difficult for older couples by necessity.

• The pension entitlement can also be regulated separately from the pension rights adjustment.
• In certain cases, the pension rights are divided more fairly than in the case of pension rights adjustment.

Real estate in divorce – how to deal with joint assets

If two people enter into a marriage without a prenuptial agreement, they live in a community of accrued gains according to the law. A gain is defined as the amount by which the final assets of one spouse exceed the initial assets. So, during the marriage, the two assets remain separate and upon divorce, there is an equalization of the gain of the assets. Each spouse should therefore come out of the marriage with the same amount of accrued gains.

If only one of the spouses is registered in the land register as the owner of the property, the property belongs to this spouse alone even after the divorce. During the separation period, a court may also assign the property to the non-owner for use, but only if this spouse cannot find an affordable apartment for himself or herself and the joint children. However, this does not change the ownership of the property. However, a property also has financial consequences in the equalisation of gains.

A property that was bought, built or extended or modernised during the marriage represents an increase in value and is therefore relevant for the equalisation of gains. An inherited property or one that was already part of the property before the marriage only counts for the equalisation of gains if it was modernised or extended during the marriage. However, during the divorce, the property owner is not allowed to just do whatever they want with the property. If the divorce or the severed train profit equalization has not yet ended, the latter needs the ex-partner’s consent for the sale, for example.

If the property belongs to the spouses equally or also proportionately, it becomes difficult during the divorce, because the question of how to proceed with the joint property after the divorce is not always easy to answer. Who gets to live in the property, will it be sold or will it continue to be financed? This problem stems from the fact that the divorce does not also end co-ownership at the same time. Divorced spouses are therefore still jointly responsible for the property after the divorce.

• How to deal with real estate after divorce depends on the land register entry
• Depending on the entry, different procedures are applied to the assets

Alimony after divorce – the most important rules

Maintenance is only paid to those who are in need. This means not being able to support themselves from their own income and assets. However, the spouse in need must actively try to find a suitable gainful employment in order to claim maintenance. It is considered reasonable if it is commensurate with education, age, ability, and health conditions. If the spouse receiving maintenance moves in with a new partner, the claim to maintenance may lapse in accordance with § 1579 no. 2 BGB.

Maintenance is only paid by the person who is able to pay. This means being able to pay alimony without jeopardizing his or her own reasonable livelihood. The spouse paying alimony must therefore always have a deductible remaining. According to the Düsseldorfer Tabelle, the monthly personal requirement without personal requirement amounts to 1,200 euros.

The amount of post-marital maintenance is always determined equally by both spouses. First, the income relevant for maintenance is calculated. From the gross income, taxes, social security contributions, reasonable professional applications of a flat rate of 5% and actual expenses for retirement provisions of up to 23% of the gross income are deducted. If the spouse pays child support, this must also be deducted. Of this value, a lump sum of three sevenths, i.e. just under 43%, is deducted as post-marital maintenance if the other is not gainfully employed. However, the person obligated to pay maintenance must be allowed to keep a minimum amount of 1200 euros as a deductible.

More on the topic of divorce alimony!

• There are many different forms of alimony in divorce
• The amount is calculated on the basis of various factors

The change of name after divorce – the options for spouses and joint children

In order for a surname change to take place after a divorce, the marriage must have been legally divorced. A final divorce is when there is no longer any right of appeal against the divorce decree. To ensure this, either both spouses must waive appeals at the divorce hearing or neither spouse must appeal the divorce decree through an attorney within one month. On the divorce decree, an affixed notation of res judicata is used by the court to document that the divorce is final. In order to obtain this, the divorce decree served after the divorce must be sent to the court again with the request for the note of res judicata. Only then is the document to be considered a legally valid divorce and usable for the name change.

The change of name can be carried out after the divorce at the respective competent registry office, as the family register is kept here. Some documents are required for this. On the one hand, the divorce decree with the final decree, an identity card or passport and, if necessary, a certified copy of the marriage register if the person concerned has moved after the marriage. If all these documents are available, the name change can be carried out directly on site. The registry office charges an amount of approx. 25 euros for the certification and authentication fee. In addition, there are costs for issuing or changing important documents, such as the identity card, passport, credit cards or driving licence.

• The change of name is possible for the spouses after the arbitration without any problems
• The change of the surname can be made at the registry office

Star Portrait – the ups and downs of the power woman

If you look at the Instagram profile of the Model – Mama, you could get jealous. There is no shortage of beach, luxury and fun. But the 40-year-olds’ lives were not always carefree and beautiful.

Movements, career and family

Sylvie Françoise Meis was born on 13 April 1978 in Breda, Netherlands. Her mother is Dutch and her father comes from Indonesia. She completed a four-year training in human resources management before deciding to work as a model. In 2003 she took part in a moderator casting of the youth and music channel TMF. Since then she has hosted the show “Fox Kids” and the annual TMF Awards. She also founded her own jewellery collection called “Pure by Sylvie”, which was launched on the German market in 2006. Sylvie became even more famous when she married Rafael Van der Vaart. He saw her on TV, got her number and wanted to meet her. In 2005 she married the Dutch football player. Since her husband had to move to Hamburg shortly afterwards, she moves there together with him. In 2013 the couple announced their separation.

Sylvie on Insta

• Here are all the photos: Sylvie Meis Insta

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuOyHYFl2EK/

The Shock Diagnosis

The shocking news came to the media in June 2009. Sylvie Meis was able to feel a little hard spot in her chest: She’s got breast cancer. She made the shocking diagnosis at a time in her life when everything was going perfectly. Sylvie had already expected that it would come at some point, since her mother was already suffering from breast cancer. The tumor was surgically removed, and Sylvie had to undergo chemotherapy. It’s been 10 years since the diagnosis was made and Sylvie is considered cured. She’s still tracking the diagnosis to this day. In an interview she says that not a day goes by when she does not feel the fear that the cancer could break out again. And that wasn’t all. Sylvie Meis was indirectly accused by her ex – best friend Sabia Boulahrouz in a one-on-one interview in the adventure show “Global Gladiators” of faking her illness. “I don’t know anyone who has breast cancer” and “Some people even go so far as to invent a disease to benefit from” were the harsh words of Boulahrouz. Sylvie has taken this statement very seriously and does not want to let such a statement sit on her. The management of Sylvie Meis said to the “Gala”: “The office of Sylvie Meis confirmed: We’re gonna sue her. We haven’t done this yet. Sabia has confirmed the omission, but is not prepared to pay a symbolic amount to DKMS Life or publicly apologise. A lawsuit is therefore the next step.” Nevertheless, the statement can’t be taken back any more and Sylvie is very angry and sad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muCCX0qPNSw

Sylvie’s love life

After the separation from Rafael Vaan the Vart, Sylvie Meis tried several times to find the great love. The first official man at her side after her divorce was Guillaume Zarka. According to the information, however, the relationship lasted only a few months. In retrospect, Zarka was not only positive about his ex-girlfriend. He unpacked information about their private lives that actually didn’t belong to the public. In 2014, Sylvie was seen with another man at her side. Sylvie met Samuel Deutsch in a Starbucks Café in New York. A few months later, Sylvie announced through Instagram that German and they had separated for good and that they were still best friends. In 2016 Sylvie Meis had a five-month relationship with Maurice Mobetie. The relationship between the two always seemed to work out quite well. There were always only happy families snapshots of the small patchwork family to see and the rumor circulated that the two even wanted to move together. It was especially serious about their last relationship. Sylvie Meis and Charbel Aouad announced their separation 8 months after their engagement. In April 2017, Aouad Sylvie proposed. The two were overjoyed and the wedding was to take place in summer 2018. The reason for their separation was that their food points were not sufficiently compatible. The distance was ultimately a reason that was decisive. In the summer of 2018, Sylvie Meis dates the Spanish millionaire Manuel Campos Guallar. However, the relationship between the two was declared to be over after a short while. But even now, Sylvie’s not alone. She has a new man at her side, who she gradually points more and more to Instagram. Who’s her new boyfriend? Bart Willemsen is his name and he is 29 years old. They got to know each other at the movie set “Misfit” in Amsterdam.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ34LXlJVC/

Damian – The son of beauty and football star

In May 2006 Sylvie Meis had a son by Rafael Van der Vaart. Damian Van der Vaart still likes to accompany his father to football today. It seems that their son is following in Daddy’s footsteps. It is officially supported by the DFB. Once a week, the 12-year-old takes part in the DFB base training in Hamburg. The association’s sports instructor Stephan Kerber reveals: “Damian attracted attention with a light-footed ball treatment. He has shown a special perspective for his fellow players, he has the ability to free them in depth. Damian didn’t get the place because of his famous father, he earned it himself”. We’re curious to see if we can see little Van der Vaart on TV.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjS0vVzAi-S/

Sylvie’s former best friend Sabia Bouhlarouz

Sabia Bouhlarouz was considered the best friend of Sylvie Meis some time ago. The friendship ended when Sabia met Rafael shortly after the separation of Sylvie and her husband. Two years later the relationship between Rafael and Sabia also broke up. To this day there is still a very tense atmosphere between the two former best friends.

As everyone knows, Sylvie Meis has a long career behind her and in front of her. You want to know something about her career? Then read our article about it:

• Sylvie Flirty Lingerie – The career of the host

Presenter Sylvie Meis in interview

Sylvie Meis makes her fans happy not only on TV. All young girls and ladies can be happy. Sylvie Meis presents her first own lingerie collection. Soft shapes and summery colours are the trends of the power woman. FIV Magazine has the exclusive right to interview Beauty. Soon there will be the latest tips and trends from Sylvie!

900k! Maren Wolf is one of the top bloggers in Germany

If you want to read and see more about Maren, you can find all the interesting links to Maren’s blog and Instagram here:

• Maren Wolf Instagram
• Maren Wolf Blog
• Maren Wolf / Youtube

“I wanted people to know my real name”.

Maren, I remember your Youtube channel used to be called “Beautypeachiii”. Tell me, why did you change your name on all social networks, is there a special reason or just because your content in general has expanded?

I’I’ve been doing YouTube for almost ten years now. My content has therefore changed and I myself have grown up. For me, the name BeautyPeachiii was just a bit too childish.
I wanted people to know my real name and I think that makes a person even more approachable. Also, I never really felt adressed when someone came up to me and said “Hey you’re BeautyPeachiii” (laughs)

At the age of 17 you have already shared your life with other people via social media like Youtube. You take your fans with you on vacation, they know your husband and your girlfriends. How do you feel about life in public and what kind of person are you in private? Describe yourself in three words.

Yeah, that’s right. The people who watch my videos really know a lot about me and my life. But not everything. By now I’m much more comfortable with being in the public eye. When I was 17, I didn’t think about the fact that so many people would watch my videos and know me. How would I describe myself? Honest, animal-loving and creative.

Living in public? – No problem for Maren

You often post pictures on Instagram and videos on Youtube with your husband Tobias. First of all, all the best and love to you both! How long have you two actually known each other and how do you cope with your marriage being so public, due to you both being very active on social media? Doesn’t the lack of privacy bother you in some situations?

Thanks for the congratulations. We’ve known each other as long as we’ve been a couple. Over five years.
We are very comfortable with that. We chose to be public by choice and as I said, people don’t know everything about us. People know our house from the inside, but there are many private things that stay in the family.

Perfect look: Comfortable and stylish through the winter

If you follow your YouTube channel, your Instagram account and your blog, it quickly becomes clear that you are very much concerned with the topic of fashion. Your outfits vary from casual street style to chic evening looks. Do you have any fashion must-haves for the winter and how do you see the perfect winter look?

For me, there is nothing better than casual and cozy clothes that are stylish at the same time. Like every winter, I love oversize pieces. Whether sweaters, jackets or scarves.

On your Youtube channel you have some videos around the topic “beauty”. Do you have an insider tip for my readers against dry skin in winter and what are your top 5 beauty essentials without which you would never survive the winter?

Very important, drink a lot. No matter if in summer or winter. In addition, it helps to cream the skin regularly and very important: never without lip care.

“Everyone has their own style and wears what they like”.

You as a Youtuber, Influencer AND Blogger get around quite a bit and are certainly often invited to trade fairs and the like. At such events you see people with different styles. Among all these people you often notice outfit combinations that you don’t like at all. Explain which pieces/colors you should never combine with each other and what is the biggest fashion sin for you?

I have to be honest, of course there are outfit combinations that you personally don’t like, but I don’t think there are any fashion no-goes. Everyone has his own style and wears what he likes. No matter if green combined with orange or unicorn sweaters. (laughs)
What I personally can’t get on with at all, however, are peeptoes.

This year you have been to many places such as New York, Stockholm, Miami, Mallorca etc… Which trip has been most memorable to you so far and which destination is at the top of your travel list?

That’s easy! My honeymoon was the most beautiful. We experienced a lot and were in our dream city, Los Angeles. We connect a lot with that city and love it. I would super love to travel to Bora Bora one day though.

Your blog, which you started at the beginning of 2017, is also very well received. Nowadays it’s very hard to make it with a fashion/travel/lifestyle blog, because there are already so many like that, but you did it. What do you think is the reason for that and what makes your blog different from others?

Phew, good question. To be honest, I can’t answer it. I often ask myself why it is that I inspire so many people. I think people just like my person.

“My greatest wish is to have children”

It must be a lot of work for you to come up with something new and creative every day. You have to post regularly on your Instagram account, your Youtube channel and your blog. Do you have specific goals you want to achieve and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That’s right, after so many years you have just produced so much content, but it does not get boring. Every year there are new trends and you always find new ideas. You just have to do what you feel like doing. Where do I see myself in five years? My biggest wish is to have children. I hope to have two by then or at least be pregnant with the second. Otherwise I hope that I can see a lot of the world until then and two secret projects are still in planning.

You can find more about Maren here:

• Maren Wolf Instagram
• Maren Wolf Blog
• Maren Wolf / Youtube