The Federal Office of Justice, the Federal Central Register. It is divided into the Central Register and the Education Register. The Register final decisions of criminal courts as well as certain decisions of the courts and of administrative guardianship authorities and - registered foreign criminal convictions against German or against foreigners living in Germany - after a comparative review. In addition, search warrants shall be included in the register.

The Federal Office of Justice is in charge of a diverse range of tasks in the area of international family law. As Germany’s Central Authority in matters of international law governing parent-child relationships, it offers practical help in cross-border legal conflicts. The assistance offered includes support in making maintenance claims across borders, as well as help in cross-border child abduction cases and with international adoption.