Family Law According to the Prussian Civil Code 1794-1899

The Prussian Civil Code (Allgemeines Landrecht für die Preußischen Staaten) regulates marriage, the rights and duties of the spouses, the distribution of property in marriage, divorce, and the relationship of parents to their legitimate and illegitimate children. This family code not only explains the strict morals and hierarchical system of Prussia, but it also clarifies entries in many church and civil records and facilitates further research. Above all, however, it paints a picture of the lives of our ancestors and also gives an idea of many Prussians leaving their homeland not only for economic reasons but also to escape these restrictions.