Custody declaration notarization

If the parents are not married to each other at the birth of the child, they are entitled to joint parental authority if they make a declaration of custody – a declaration that they wish to take joint custody of your child.

A declaration of custody must be publicly notarized. You can arrange this at the youth welfare office responsible for you or, for a fee, at a notary. In the event of a dispute, only the family court can annul custody declarations. Therefore, it is advisable to seek advice on the rights and obligations arising from the declaration of custody.

The acknowledgement of paternity is a prerequisite for the joint declaration of custody. If you have not already done so, you can declare paternity and care together at the Youth Welfare Office.

Please contact the locally responsible youth welfare office.

• Parents' identity card or passport
• Birth certificate of the child in which the father is registered or maternity record in case of prenatal custody
• Certificate of acknowledgement of paternity or court order establishing paternity

None

• The parents are not married to each other
• Paternity is effectively recognized
• The child does not have to be born yet, but it must be conceived
• A court decision on parental authority has not yet been made
• Parents must appear in person
• Both parents speak sufficiently German. If this is not the case:

Jugendamt: If you need an interpreter, please let us know the desired language when making an appointment.

Notary: If you need an interpreter, you must bring an interpreter to the appointment. This person needs a valid identity document and must not be related or related to the child's parents.

None

For the declaration of custody, you must arrange a personal appointment at the youth welfare office responsible for you locally or in a notary's office:

• If not already done, the father must acknowledge paternity
• Both parents must appear in person, preferably together.
• In the appointment you will be informed about the legal consequences of the custody declaration. These will then be read to you and signed by both parents.
• Both parents receive certified copies of the certificate.

The child must still be a minor.

The appointment usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The certificates will be handed out directly at the appointment.

Jugendamt: None
Notary: approx. 80,00 Euro plus expenses