Recognition of paternity, notarization

A declaration acknowledging paternity of a child, as well as the mother's declaration of consent, can be notarized at any registry office, at youth welfare offices and before notaries. Paternity can be effectively acknowledged if there is no paternity of another man to this child. The acknowledgment of paternity and the mother's declaration of consent are notarized in public form.

Recognition of paternity is possible even before the child is born.

Under German law, the woman who gave birth to the child is the mother of the child. Recognition of maternity is generally not required. If recognition of maternity or a declaration of consent by a legal representative is required, these must also be notarized by a registry office, the youth welfare office or notaries.

If the mother's or father's home country law requires recognition of maternity, this can also be notarized. The same rules apply as for acknowledgment of paternity.

Documents

Valid identity documents: Identity card or passport, maternity passport

Recognition of paternity and declarations of consent are free of charge. If applicable, €30 for the affidavit in lieu of an oath by an interpreter

Notes

Certifications at the Youth Welfare Office are only possible by prior appointment. Please allow for a waiting period of 12 to 16 weeks.

Assistance

Guardianship is a free service offered by the Youth Welfare Office.

A guardianship can be set up to establish paternity and/or to claim child maintenance.

The following are entitled to apply: the parent who has sole parental custody, in the case of parents who have joint parental custody, the parent with whom the child lives, the expectant mother (or her representative if the mother is legally incapable) if the child has not yet been born.

Processing time

Upon receipt of the application, the Youth Welfare Office immediately becomes the child's guardian. The guardianship ends as soon as the applicant requests this in writing or when the child reaches the age of majority.