Acknowledging a child
General
When you acknowledge your child, you become the child's legal parent. This acknowledgement is legally effective as soon as the child is born. It means that you are the legal parent of your child. This does not always have to be the biological parent. As a legal parent you have rights and obligations. For example: you have the right to see your child. You are obliged to care for your child.
You may acknowledge your child with the municipal authorities before birth. You must make an appointment for this.
In the case of a first child, the mother must go to the Town Hall herself. The mother may give her permission in writing for subsequently born children.
What do you need to bring with you?
Will the mother be present? Please bring the following documents to your appointment:
- a valid identity document
- valid proof of identity of the mother
Will the mother not be present? Please bring the following documents to your appointment:
- a valid identity document
- the mother's written and signed permission
- valid proof of identity of the mother
Extra document for acknowledgement of a child by the co-mother
- Declaration of parenthood by Artificial Fertilisation Donor Information Office. This is only required if the donor is anonymous.
When is it not necessary to acknowledge a child?
You do not need to acknowledge the child if you are automatically recognised as the legal parent. This applies to you if:
- you are the biological mother
- you are married to the mother
- you are the registered partner of the mother.
Please note: If you are the co-mother, you must bring your declaration of parenthood issued by the Artificial Fertilisation Donor Information Office. If you do not do this or if you do not have this Declaration, you can still acknowledge the child and receive legal recognition of parenthood.
How can I receive parental authority?
Acknowledgement is legally effective as soon as the child is born. You can submit a request for parental authority at this time. The biological mother is automatically given parental authority. If you have parental authority you are able to make decisions about your child's upbringing and care. You may also look after the child's legal affairs. You can apply for parental authority on the Rechtspraak website.
Was your child born during your marriage or registered partnership? Then you do not need to apply for parental authority.
What do I need to know before I acknowledge my child?
You may acknowledge your child if you are aged 16 or older. It does not matter if you are male or female.
The following rules apply:
- Your child should not already have a legally recognised father or co-mother. Does your child have 2 parents? It cannot be acknowledged by another person.
- Are you under guardianship? You will need the permission of a judge.
- Are you not permitted to marry the mother because you are related by blood? You may not acknowledge this child. A blood relationship is the relationship between 2 people of whom one is the direct descendant of the other. For example: parent and son. Or 2 people who are not direct descendants of each other but who do have a common ancestor. For example: brother and sister.
- It is not possible to acknowledge a dead child.
- Are you the biological father? You cannot rescind the acknowledgement later.
- Does one of the parents have a different nationality? Other conditions and rules may apply. We will always ask you about this when you are making your appointment.
- The Civil registrar will acknowledge your child free of charge.
- A child can be acknowledged by all municipal authorities or by a notary.