Conditions for Dual Motherhood in Rijswijk
Dual motherhood allows lesbian couples in Rijswijk to legally recognize both women as parents of a child conceived through artificial insemination. Since 2017, Dutch law has regulated this with strict requirements for applicants. This article covers the conditions, including the legal basis, the process, and tips specifically for Rijswijk residents, such as support from local agencies.
What Does Dual Motherhood Mean in Rijswijk?
Dual motherhood is a family law provision that grants both mothers in a lesbian couple in Rijswijk equal parental authority over their child. The birth mother is automatically the legal parent, while the co-mother can become one through a simplified recognition process. This avoids adoption and speeds up the procedure. It applies exclusively to children born from medical procedures such as artificial insemination or IVF using donor sperm. For more details, see our article on dual motherhood. Couples in Rijswijk can seek free advice on this option at Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
Legal Basis of Dual Motherhood
The legislation on dual motherhood originates from the Act of 8 December 2017 amending the Civil Code with regard to dual motherhood (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2017, 492). This amends Book 1 of the Civil Code, particularly articles 1:199 to 1:205. These provisions state that the partner of the birth mother can become a parent through recognition, subject to strict conditions. The regulation is based on the equality principle in article 1 of the Constitution and the ECHR, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Previously, adoption was required for the non-biological mother, a cumbersome and costly process. Today, recognition suffices, immediately strengthening the parent-child relationship in Rijswijk.
Conditions for Dual Motherhood in Rijswijk
To establish dual motherhood in Rijswijk, various requirements must be met, with a focus on the child's welfare and family stability. We divide them into personal and procedural aspects, with attention to local handling.
Personal Conditions
- Partnership: The women must be married or in a registered partnership at the time of conception (article 1:199(3) Civil Code). A casual relationship is insufficient; an officially registered partnership is essential, which can be arranged via the Municipality of Rijswijk.
- Medical Conception: The child must have been conceived through artificial insemination or IVF using sperm from an anonymous donor (article 1:199(1) Civil Code). Natural conception or sperm from a known donor does not qualify. Proof must come from a certified clinic, and in Rijswijk, you can obtain advice on documentation from Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
- No Other Parents: There must be no other legal parent. An involved donor could obstruct this.
- Age and Suitability: Both mothers must be 18 or older and suitable for parental authority. The Rijswijk District Court may assess this if there is doubt.
Procedural Conditions
- Timely Recognition: The co-mother must recognize the child before birth (notarial deed) or within three months after (article 1:200 Civil Code). Otherwise, adoption is required.
- Consent of Both Mothers: Both must agree, documented in a joint declaration.
- Registration in Rijswijk: The birth certificate is updated at the Municipality of Rijswijk. With timely recognition, this happens automatically.
- No Objection from Prosecutor: Rarely does the public prosecutor object on grounds of the child's best interests, but the Rijswijk District Court handles this if necessary.
If these are not met, the default applies: only the birth mother is the parent, and adoption via the Rijswijk District Court is then required.
Practical Examples for Couples in Rijswijk
Take Lisa and Marie, a married couple from Rijswijk opting for IVF at a Dutch clinic using anonymous donor sperm. Lisa gives birth to the child. During pregnancy, Marie recognizes the child via a notarial deed. After birth, the Municipality of Rijswijk registers Marie as the second mother. Now they share authority, from upbringing to school choices in Rijswijk.
Another case: Sophie and Tara from Rijswijk use sperm from Tara's brother without medical assistance. Dual motherhood is not possible; Tara cannot recognize as father, and Sophie must adopt via the Rijswijk District Court. This highlights the importance of the medical route.
In a separation without dual motherhood, the co-mother in Rijswijk risks court proceedings over contact and authority at the Rijswijk District Court.
Rights and Obligations under Dual Motherhood in Rijswijk
Once established, both mothers have identical rights and obligations (article 1:251 Civil Code):
- Rights: Full parental authority, including decisions on residence, education, and care. In case of separation, they stand equal in proceedings on contact and authority at the Rijswijk District Court. For assistance, contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.