Acknowledge child before or after birth

By acknowledging your child, you become the legal parent. You can acknowledge during pregnancy, during the birth declaration or after the birth declaration. Each child must be acknowledged separately and the mother must always give her consent. Acknowledgement can be done at the municipality's registry office (free of charge) or through a notary public. 

Make an appointment for this

Do you and/or your partner have a foreign nationality or live abroad? If so, different rules may apply. Please contact us at 14 0511 for information and advice on your situation. 

What do I bring to the appointment? 

  • Valid ID of yourself.
  • If the mother is coming with you: valid ID of the mother.

Extra required in case of recognition before birth 

Additional required for recognition after birth 

  • If the mother does not come along for a second or subsequent child together: valid proof of identity of yourself and the mother, written consent with the mother's signature via the form Declaration of Consent to Recognition of Child After Birth.
  • Copy of the birth certificate if the child was not born in our municipality. 

Additional required when recognizing child aged 12 to 16 

Additional requirement for recognition of child by paternal mother 

  • Parental statement from the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Fertilization (required only if the donor is anonymous).

Joint parental authority through recognition

Do you acknowledge a child as an unmarried or unregistered partner? Then since January 1, 2023, you will automatically receive joint parental custody with the mother. With parental authority, you are the legal representative of your child. This allows you to make decisions about the upbringing and care of your child. You may also manage your child's assets.  

Want more information about this change in custody? If so, visit the Judiciary website at .

Authority only with the mother? 

As the mother, do you want sole parental authority over the child? If so, you will personally attend the appointment for recognition. Also for the second or subsequent child. Here you can indicate together that you as the mother will have sole custody. 

Choosing a child's last name

When acknowledging your first child together, you can choose which surname it will receive: the name of the mother or of the acknowledger. All subsequent children in the family will automatically receive the same last name as your first child together. Read more about choosing your child's last name on the Choosing a child's last name page.

When do I not have to acknowledge my child?

You do not have to acknowledge your child if you automatically become a legal parent. This is if you are the biological mother. A husband or duo mother automatically becomes a legal parent upon marriage or registered partnership with the mother. 

How do I acknowledge my child?

Before birth (during pregnancy) 

  • For a first child together, both parents come in person to the appointment for recognition. 
  • With a second or subsequent child together, the mother again gives consent. This can be done in writing. To do so, the mother fills out the form Declaration of Consent to Recognition of Unborn Child. 
  • Does the mother want sole parental authority? Then the mother comes together with the recognizer to the appointment for recognition. Also for a second or subsequent child. 

At birth declaration 

  • You declare the birth of your child within 3 days.
  • You do this in the municipality where your child was born. 
  • You can immediately acknowledge your child during the declaration of birth.  
  • For a first child together, both parents come in person to the appointment for recognition. 
  • With a second or subsequent child together, the mother again gives consent. This can be done in writing. To do so, the mother fills out the form Declaration of Consent to Recognition of Child After Birth. 
  • Does the mother want sole parental authority? Then the mother comes together with the recognizer to the appointment for recognition. Also for a second or subsequent child.  

After birth 

  • Is the child you want to acknowledge under 12 years old? Then come together with the mother to the municipality to acknowledge the child. The mother can also give written consent for a second or subsequent child. To do so, the mother must fill out the form Declaration of Consent for Recognition of a Child after Birth.  
  • Do you want to acknowledge a child aged 12 to 16? Then you need written consent from the mother and the child. To do this, they fill out the form Declaration of Consent to Acknowledge Child After Birth. If you do not receive consent from both, you can ask the court for substitute consent. This is only possible if you are the biological father of the child. 
  • Do you want to acknowledge a child 16 years of age or older? Then you will attend the appointment together with the child. The mother does not have to be there or give her consent. 

What does recognizing a child cost?

There is no cost associated with acknowledging a child. 

What are the requirements for acknowledging my child?

Acknowledgment means that you are obligated to support your child. You are also entitled to access to your child after a divorce. Recognition gives the child inheritance rights. 

In addition, the following rules apply: 

  • You must be at least 16 years old to acknowledge a child. 
  • The child does not yet have a legal father. 
  • Does the child already have 2 parents? Then it can never be recognized by another. 
  • Are you under guardianship? If so, you need permission from the court. 
  • Are you not allowed to marry the mother because of blood relationship? Then you cannot acknowledge the child. 
  • Are you the biological father? Then you cannot undo the acknowledgment later. 

Documents