Family book

In the period from 1958 to 2008, the family register was a register of civil status that was created after every marriage in Germany, and on request also for marriages abroad, and was maintained at the registry office of residence. It contained information on the spouses, the dates of marriage, the names of the spouses, parents and children of the spouses and on the termination of the marriage.

The family book has often been confused with the family record book, which is merely a collection of documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates) held in private hands. Moreover, it has been little used due to lack of awareness.

With the entry into force of the Personal Status Law Amendment on 1.1. 2009, the creation and continuation of family registers has been abolished. Instead, the marriage entries in the marriage registers are now continued by the marriage registry offices. The old family registers have also been handed over to these offices. Marriage certificates can be issued from the family registers that are to be continued as marriage entries.