Recognition is an official legal step by which a man becomes the father of a child. This is necessary when the man is not married to the mother or does not have a registered partnership with her.
When must a child be recognised?
Recognition is required in the following situations:
- The parents are not married
- There is no registered partnership between the parents
- No other legal father is registered
How can I recognise a child?
Recognition can be arranged at different times and locations:
| Moment | Location | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Before birth | Municipality of Rijswijk (civil registry) | Father with mother's consent |
| During birth registration | Municipality of Rijswijk | Father with mother's consent |
| After birth | Municipality of Rijswijk or notary | Father with consent of mother or child |
Required consent
For recognition, consent must be given:
- Child under 12 years: Consent of the mother
- Child between 12 and 16 years: Consent of both mother and child
- Child over 16 years: Consent of the child only
What if consent is refused?
If the mother does not grant consent, the father can file a request with the District Court of The Hague for substitute consent. The judge may approve this, unless:
- The recognition is detrimental to the mother's interests in upbringing
- The recognition negatively affects the child's development
What has changed since 2023?
As of 1 January 2023, upon recognition, the father immediately receives joint custody with the mother. Prior to that date, custody had to be applied for separately via the court.
Withdrawing recognition
Recognition can be reversed under certain circumstances:
- If the recogniser turns out not to be the biological father
- If the recognition took place under duress or deception
- If the given consent was not valid
Can I recognise a child if I am not the biological father?
Yes, this is possible. However, bear in mind that the recognition can later be annulled if it is established that you are not the biological father.What do I do if the mother refuses recognition?
You can file a request for substitute consent with the District Court of The Hague. The judge will assess whether recognition is in the interests of both the mother and the child. As the biological father, you often have a strong case.Is recognition possible before birth?
Yes, you can recognise a child during pregnancy at the municipality of Rijswijk. This is practical, for example, to give the child the father's surname or if the father cannot be present at the birth.Frequently asked questions about recognition in Rijswijk
How do I recognise my child if the mother does not give consent?If the mother refuses, you can apply for substitute consent at the District Court of The Hague via a petition. The judge weighs the interests of the mother and child. A lawyer or the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk can assist you. This process can take several months.
What rights and obligations do I get after recognition?Through recognition, you become the legal father, which means you have a maintenance obligation (child support) and the child is entitled to your inheritance. Since 2023, you automatically receive joint custody, unless otherwise determined by the judge. Contact rights are also possible, depending on the child's best interests.
Can I recognise my child if I do not live in the Netherlands?Yes, recognition is possible via the municipality of Rijswijk, a notary, or a Dutch embassy/consulate abroad. Contact the municipality of Rijswijk for specific instructions on the procedure.
What documents do I need for recognition?Bring a valid identity document (passport/ID) to the municipality of Rijswijk. For recognition after birth, a birth certificate is needed. For recognition before birth, you must provide a pregnancy declaration from a doctor or midwife. Consent from the mother (or a court order) is also required.
Can I undo a recognition later?Yes, recognition can be annulled if you are not the biological father, if there was duress, or if the consent was invalid. For this, you must file a request with the District Court of The Hague, possibly with the help of a lawyer.