The EC Maintenance Regulation – Regulation (EC) No. 4/2009 – has established a comprehensive network of Central Authorities in order to support applicants in cross-border maintenance claims within the EU. In Germany, the role of Central Authority is assumed by the Federal Office of Justice. In accordance with the EC Maintenance Regulation, the Federal Office of Justice processes the incoming and outgoing requests of all EU Member States.

The 2007 Hague Maintenance Convention creates a network of Central Authorities on a worldwide level, for example in relation to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Norway and Turkey. Within the European Union the EC Maintenance Regulation takes precedence in cases involving European Union Member States. German Central Authority under the Convention is the Federal Office of Justice.

The Federal Office of Justice acts as the Receiving and Transmitting agency in accordance with the 1956 UN Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance. It supports individuals entitled to maintenance in proceedings between Germany and other Contracting States of the Convention (outside the EU).

The Federal Office of Justice coordinates sets of proceedings with foreign states with which no international treaties have been concluded, but where formal reciprocity has been ensured. This applies to Canada and the Republic of South Africa.