Legal guide from Cologne
Clear articles on everyday legal questions, explained plainly, without legalese. If you have a specific question, feel free to speak to me directly.
Deposit Not Returned: How to Proceed
Is your landlord not paying back your rental deposit? Find out here which deadlines apply, what the landlord may withhold, and how to reclaim your money step by step.
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Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Starting a Business
Which legal form suits a business start-up depends on liability, capital and tax burden; an overview of the GbR, sole proprietorship and GmbH.
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Objection Against a Tax Assessment: Deadlines and Procedure
If you disagree with your tax assessment notice, you can lodge an objection within one month; we explain the deadline and the procedure.
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Defective Workmanship: Rights of Clients
If a tradesperson delivers shoddy work, you have clear rights, ranging from subsequent performance to a reduction of the agreed remuneration.
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Defects in Used Cars: Rights Available to Buyers
Whether engine damage or a concealed accident: anyone who discovers a defect when buying a used car has clear statutory rights against the seller.
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Claiming Payment for Overtime: When Employees Are Entitled
Overtime only has to be paid under certain conditions; we explain when there is an entitlement to payment and which time limits apply.
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Employment Reference Formulations: What They Really Mean
Employment reference wording decoded: how to recognise hidden assessments and how to challenge an unfair reference.
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Dismissal During the Probationary Period: Rights of Employees
Employees dismissed during the probationary period have less protection than usual, but they are not without rights: we explain notice periods, formal requirements and important exceptions.
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Deposit Not Returned: How to Proceed
If tenants do not get their deposit back after moving out, the usual remedy is to set deadlines consistently and, if necessary, to bring legal action.
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Notice Periods for Residential Tenancies: Which Period Applies to Whom
Anyone giving ordinary notice must observe the statutory notice periods. Quite different rules apply to tenants and landlords.
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