paternity (general)
service description
The youth welfare office or registry office responsible for your place of residence can give you more detailed advice on this complicated topic. This can only be a brief presentation that cannot answer all possible questions.
Legally, the father of a child is the man- who is married to his mother at the time of birth,
- or, if the mother is not married, the husband
- who has acknowledged paternity or
- whose paternity has been determined by a court.
A specific form (notarized by a public document) is required for the acknowledgment of paternity. Paternity can be recognized before birth. The mother must consent to the acknowledgment of paternity. The publicly certified form is also required for the consent.
Parents can decide for themselves whether they want to submit their declarations on the same day or on different dates.
If the certificates of acknowledgment of paternity and consent to acknowledgment are available before the birth is certified by the registry office, the father is entered in the birth register from the start, as is the case with married parents. In the event of a later recognition, the birth register will be supplemented later.
The acknowledgment of paternity can only take effect- if the mother is not married or
- if the mother is still married but divorce proceedings have already been filed with the court when the child is born. In this case, the previous husband must also agree to the acknowledgment of paternity by another man in a public document.
Where can the certificates be recorded?
- at every registry office
- at the youth welfare offices
- at all district courts
- at all notaries
Necessary documents
- valid identity card
- Birth certificates of father and mother
Additionally, if the child is already born:
- a birth certificate of the child.
Legal basis