Acknowledge child before or after birth

Are you not married to the child’s biological mother? Or do you not have a registered partnership? In that case, you can acknowledge the child as the father or co-mother. By acknowledging the child, you become the child’s legal parent.

You can acknowledge paternity during pregnancy, when registering the birth, or at a later date after the birth. You must arrange for separate acknowledgment of paternity for each child. The mother must always give her consent.

Recognizing during pregnancy

You can acknowledge your child even before birth. This is called acknowledgment of the unborn child. This can be done at any municipal office in the Netherlands.

Recognizing our first child together

  • Both parents should attend the appointment together.
  • Please bring a valid form of identification.

Recognizing a second or subsequent child

Additional requirements for recognition by a co-mother 

  • A declaration of parenthood from the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Insemination (required only if the donor is anonymous).

Recognition at the time of birth registration

Did you not acknowledge the child before birth? If not, you can do so when you register the birth. This must be done in the municipality where the child was born.

Recognizing our first child together

  • Both parents should attend the appointment together.
  • Please bring a valid form of identification.
  • Was the child not born in our municipality? If so, please bring a copy of the birth certificate.

Recognizing a second or subsequent child

  • Please bring your own valid ID.
  • The mother does not need to be present and provides written consent via the Declaration of Consent for Paternity of an Unborn Child.
  • Please also bring a copy of the mother’s ID.
  • Was the child not born in our municipality? If so, please bring a copy of the birth certificate.

Additional requirements for recognition by a co-mother 

  • A declaration of parenthood from the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Insemination (required only if the donor is anonymous).

Recognizing it later after birth

Recognition after birth refers to the recognition of an existing child. This can be done at any municipal office in the Netherlands, as long as the child does not yet have a legal father or co-mother.

Child under 12 years of age

  • Please bring your child with you to the appointment.
  • Please bring a valid form of identification for yourself and for the child.
  • The mother gives her consent:

Children aged 12 to 16

  • Please bring your child with you to the appointment.
  • Please bring a valid form of identification for yourself and for the child.
  • The mother and child give their consent together:

Child aged 16 or older

  • Please bring your child with you to the appointment.
  • Please bring a valid form of identification for yourself and for the child.
  • The child must give consent in person.
    This can only be done at the municipal office counter.

The mother does not need to be present or give her consent. 

Additional requirements for recognition by a co-mother 

  • A declaration of parenthood from the Foundation for Donor Data on Artificial Insemination (required only if the donor is anonymous).

Schedule an appointment for certification

You can make an appointment by clicking the button below or by calling 14 0511.

Schedule an appointment for certification

Do you or your partner have foreign citizenship, or do you live abroad? If so, please contact us by calling 14 0511. Different rules may apply in some situations.

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. 

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. 

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