Canon law - Religious orders - Charitable works

In addition to the numerous regulations of the state legal system, church-run institutions must also observe the special church provisions and rights of influence. In addition to ecclesiastical employment law, the Catholic Church's asset management law is of particular practical importance, as it stipulates that numerous legal transactions are subject to mandatory approval by ecclesiastical authorities.

Religious orders in particular are also facing major challenges: as a result of dwindling membership numbers and increasing ageing, many religious orders are being forced to transfer their charitable institutions and works, which have often been run independently for centuries, to a future-proof organizational structure while preserving the special identity and heritage of the community. Religious law, as a special area of canon law, also plays a decisive role here.

Our advice focuses on canon law, religious orders and their charitable works:

• Spin-off of religious institutions / organization of holding structures

• Representation and advice in canon law approval procedures

• Advice and expert opinions on specific church law issues (e.g. ecclesiastical assignment, church law status issues, church asset management law, church foundation law)

• Pension measures for religious congregations in Germany and Austria (advice and representation in the reorganization and restructuring of statutes)

• Securing the future of the order's own works and businesses

• Support for cooperation projects (national/international)

In addition, we have many years of experience in providing ongoing legal advice in the day-to-day business of religious orders.