Municipality of Arnhem: acknowledging parenthood of your child

Acknowledgement of born child

• You are 16 years of age or older.
• You need the mother's consent if the child is under 16.
• Is your child between the ages of 12 and 16? Then the mother and child must give their own consent. Both come with you to the appointment.
• You cannot acknowledge a child if you should not legally marry the mother. For example, because you are a blood relative of the mother.
• There must not already be 2 parents. For example, was the child adopted by the mother's female partner? Then the biological father can no longer acknowledge the child.
• Are you under guardianship because of your physical or mental condition? If so, you first need permission from the district judge.

Acknowledgement of unborn child

• A valid proof of identity of yourself ;(the recognizer) and of the mother.
• Consent form recognition unborn child (pdf, 521.98 kB) if the mother does not come with you. The mother must come with you if it is your first child together and if you want the child to have the acknowledger's last name or a combined last name.

Acknowledgement of born child

• Valid proof of identity of yourself (the one who acknowledges), the mother and of the child itself.
• Is your child under the age of 12? Then you need permission from the mother.
  • Is it your first child together and will your child have your last name or a combined last name? Then the mother must come with you to the appointment.
  • Is it another child from the same relationship? Then you can also complete the consent form acknowledgement child (pdf, 521 kB).
• Is your child between the ages of 12 and 16? Then both the mother and the child themselves must give permission. Both come with you to the appointment.
• From 16 years of age, the child alone gives consent and comes with you to the appointment.

If you or the mother do not live in the Netherlands or have only lived there for a short time, more documents may be required. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact us at 0800-1809.

Make an appointment for ackowledgement unborn child

Make an appointment for acknowledgement born child

• Official acknowledgement and choice of surname are free of charge.
• You can apply for an akte van erkenning (acknowledgement of parenthood certificate). A copy from the civil status records costs: € 17,10.