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Acknowledge paternity

Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary for you to have it publicly certified that you are the father of your child.

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Detailed description

If you are married to the child's mother at the time of the child's birth, you are generally automatically considered the child's father under German law. In this case, acknowledgment of paternity is not necessary. If you are not married to the child's mother at the time of the birth, but want to be recognized as the child's father, you can submit acknowledgment of paternity. In some cases, acknowledgment of paternity may also be necessary if the law of another country applies to your father-child relationship.

If you wish to acknowledge paternity, you must declare this to the relevant authority. The relevant authority will publicly certify your paternity if all requirements are met.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • The mother agrees to the recognition.
  • In the event that the mother does not have custody: the child agrees to the recognition (for a child who is incapable of legal action or a child who is not yet 14 years old, only a legal representative can agree to the recognition)
  • If you are limited in your legal capacity, you need the consent of your legal representative. If you are incapable of doing business, your legal representative can accept it with the approval of the family court. If your legal representative is a guardian, the approval of the guardianship court is required
  • Acknowledgements or consents cannot be declared by an authorized person.
  • There is no paternity of another man.
  • Fatherhood is not tied to any condition or time limit
  • Paternity is not abusively recognized.
  • You have not already effectively revoked your recognition of paternity.

Documents required

Proof of identity (e.g. identity card, passport or other identification document)

Please note

The recognition of paternity can also be certified by the responsible local court.

The validity of the declaration of recognition of paternity does not depend on the actual parentage. (Legal) paternity arises solely through the effective submission of the declarations of recognition and all necessary consents.

Deadlines

The declaration of recognition can be made at any time, even before the birth of the child, after its death and also for stillborn children.

Procedure

  • You declare that you are the father of the child.
  • The responsible body will check your recognition and inform you about possible legal consequences.
  • If all requirements are met, your recognition will be publicly certified.

Processing time

depending on the individual case

Fees

No

Legal remedies


  • challenge

  • declaratory judgment procedure

Legal basis

§ 44 Civil Status Act (PStG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__44.html


§§1594 - 1599 German Civil Code (BGB)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__1594.html

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Last updated: 11.03.2025