Areas of Law
Inheritance Law
Whether it is a will, inheritance contract or statutory succession - inheritance law is complex and raises many questions. Who inherits what? How can I pass on my assets in a targeted manner? And what happens in the case of a community of heirs? DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL advises you comprehensively on all aspects of inheritance law, helps you with estate planning and supports you in the enforcement or defence of inheritance claims.
Family Law
Family law includes central regulations on marriage, divorce, maintenance and parental custody. In the event of a separation, aspects such as equalisation of gains, pension equalisation and the division of joint assets must be clarified. Maintenance claims for spouses and children as well as issues relating to access and custody are legally complex. Even for unmarried cohabiting couples, there are specific legal structuring requirements.
International Inheritance and Family Law
Cross-border inheritance cases and binational family law pose particular challenges: Which inheritance law applies to an inheritance with a foreign connection? Which laws govern a divorce with an international background? Whether international marriage, estate planning or succession - DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL will help you avoid legal pitfalls and find a suitable solution for your personal situation.
About Dr Hanna Schmidt
Welcome to DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL.
My name is Dr Hanna Schmidt and I am the founder of the law firm DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL. After more than twelve years working in renowned national and international commercial law firms in various specialist areas, I made a conscious decision in 2026 to take a new path - towards advising on inheritance and familiy law.
As a long-standing advisor and representative of corporate interests, I have become familiar with the fascination for complex legal issues, strategic thinking and negotiation skills. But it was also a time when I repeatedly felt the desire to work closer to people and support them in challenging situations. Inheritance and familiy law offer exactly that: combining legally challenging tasks with empathy and the ability to jointly develop strategies and customised solutions while also applying my commercial perspective. Whether it is about asset division in the context of separation or estate planning, for example - I combine legal tools with a keen interest in and understanding of financial matters. Of course, I also advise on all non-financial issues in inheritance and family law, such as custody and access rights.
Precision, reliability, and strategic thinking are the cornerstones of my practice. At the same time, I place great importance on providing individual and empathetic advice. I take the time to fully understand your situation in order to develop a solution that is both legally sound and tailored to your personal needs.
I represent clients nationwide before all District, Regional, and Higher Regional Courts. As a modern, digital-first law firm, consultations can, of course, be conducted online.
I look forward to welcoming you to DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL and to working together to address the legal matters concerning your family, your assets, and your future.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Hanna Schmidt
Lawyer
Costs
Transparency and understandability of the incurred costs are crucial.
Hourly Rates and Statutory Minimum Fees under the German Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG)
At DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL, services are generally billed on the basis of an hourly rate. The actual time spent on the matter determines the total fee. With each invoice, you will receive a detailed breakdown and description of the work performed, ensuring full cost transparency. To appropriately reflect both the commercial significance of the matter and the associated liability risks, DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL charges at least the statutory fees as set out in the German Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG). In the case of legal representation, e.g. in the case of a divorce, such a minimum fee according to the RVG is already derived from the law. For out-of-court advice or representation, DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL agrees on this minimum fee contractually as part of the fee agreement. The statutory minimum fee under the RVG only applies where it exceeds the actual amount billed based on hourly rates. Upon request, DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL will gladly provide you with an estimate of the statutory fees prior to accepting the mandate, so that you are fully informed of your minimum cost risk.
If you require answers to one or more specific legal questions in the form of an expert opinion, you have the option of agreeing a fixed price. This ensures clarity about the costs incurred from the outset.
Initial Consultation
The fee for an initial consultation depends on the scope of work and the complexity of the matter at hand. Pursuant to Section 34 (1) of the German Lawyers' Fees Act (RVG), the maximum fee for consumers is €190 plus 19% VAT.
For particularly complex matters requiring extensive research, an initial consultation may not be the most suitable option. In such cases, you will receive a tailored offer in advance, based on the anticipated time and effort involved.
Limitations Regarding Divorce Advice
Please note that in matters of family law, legal advice can only be provided to one of the two spouses. Due to the potential for a conflict of interest, joint representation or simultaneous consultation of both parties is not permitted.
News from Legislation and Court Rulings
Get in Touch
Please send an email to kontakt@drschmidt-legal.de. A response will follow shortly. Alternatively, contact by telephone is also possible.
Note on Fees: Services by DR. SCHMIDT LEGAL are generally provided based on hourly fee agreements which may exceed the statutory rates set by the German Attorney Remuneration Act (RVG), except where statutory fees are higher in a specific case (for further details, please refer to "Costs"). This allows for the intensive, high-quality representation of your interests.
Jakordenstraße 8, 50668 Cologne, Germany
+49 (0) 221 292 40 370
Office Hours
Mon – Thu
Fri
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
and by appointment
