Request written information about the absence of entries in the custody register

Do you have sole custody of your child and need a certificate (negative certificate)? Find out more here.

If you as the mother are not married to the father of the child and no entries have been made in the custody register, you can request a certificate of sole custody (negative certificate) from the responsible youth welfare office.
A custody register is kept there for children of unmarried parents. Entries are made in this custody register if:

• declarations of custody are made.
• Custody has been awarded jointly in whole or in part on the basis of a final court decision.
• Custody has been wholly or partly withdrawn from the mother or transferred to the father on the basis of a final court decision.

If no entry has been made in the custody register, you will be issued with a written certificate of sole custody.
If, on the basis of a court decision, entries have been made in the custody register that relate to the distribution of parental custody, you will receive written information that entries have been made in the custody register.

Proof of identification (identity card or passport)

• Date of birth of the child
• Place of birth of the child
• Name of the child at the time the birth was certified

§ Section 58 of the German Social Code VIII (SGB)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_8/__58.html

No

You can apply for a certificate of sole custody (negative certificate) from your local youth welfare office.

• Submit an application in writing.
• If no entries have been made in the custody register, you will be sent a written certificate.

None

3 days to 6 weeks

Free of charge