Municipality of The Hague: acknowledging parenthood of your child
You must go to the municipality in person to officially acknowledge parenthood of your child and to choose a surname. This is possible in every municipality in the Netherlands. You must make an appointment to do this.
Make an appointment:
If you do not hold Dutch citizenship or you live outside the Netherlands, other rules may apply. You will receive more information and advice about your personal situation during your appointment.
Joint parental responsibility by acknowledgment
From 1 January 2023 when acknowledging a child there will automatically be granted joint parental responsibility (gezamenlijk gezag). This means the person acknowledging and the birth mother, if unmarried or not in a registered partnership, do not have to apply to the district court for this.
Acknowledged before 1 January 2023
Was the child legally acknowledged before January 1st, 2023? Then the old law applies. Parents who are unmarried or not in a registered partnership must make an application to the district court to get joint parental responsibility (gezamenlijk gezag).
- Official acknowledgement and choice of surname are free of charge.
- You can apply for an akte van erkenning (acknowledgement of parenthood certificate) in the municipality where the acknowledgment took place. You will pay a fee for this.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of The Hague