In Rijswijk, a growing municipality near The Hague with many blended families, many opt for authority change instead of stepparent adoption. This grants the stepparent joint authority over the child without severing the biological tie with the other parent. This fits perfectly in diverse neighborhoods such as Innenstad or Oud-Rijswijk, where co-parenting is common.
Conditions and Procedure in Rijswijk
For an application, the following are required: a durable relationship, priority for the child's best interests, and consent of the biological parents. Submit the application to the District Court of The Hague (Family Law team, accessible for Rijswijk residents). A child welfare investigation by the Child Care and Protection Board Haaglanden region often follows. The procedure takes 2-4 months with a success rate of approximately 90%, accelerated by local expertise.
Differences with Adoption
With authority change in Rijswijk, the maintenance obligation of the ex-parent remains intact and the surname does not change. This is ideal for families with good co-parenting, such as in Rijswijk neighborhoods with nearby ex-partners.
Benefits as of 2025 for Rijswijk
The new law simplifies the application via the national online portal, accessible from Rijswijk. There is no longer an age difference requirement. Perfect for blended families in Rijswijk with an involved ex-partner, supported by local legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Haaglanden.
Consider authority change as a less disruptive alternative. Consult a family law attorney in Rijswijk or The Hague for a personal comparison.