How can I acknowledge paternity?
April 24, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Gerd Möller
Dear Family Law Attorney,
My name is Lina Gallenberg and I am contacting you with a question regarding the recognition of paternity. I am a single mother of a five-year-old son and I have decided to officially recognize the paternity of my child. Currently, the father of my son is not listed in the birth register and there is no paternity acknowledgment certificate.
I am concerned that there may be legal difficulties if the father of my child does not acknowledge paternity or, in the worst case scenario, denies paternity. Therefore, I would like to know the best way to proceed in order to carry out a paternity acknowledgment and how the process will unfold.
Can you explain to me what steps are necessary to officially recognize the paternity of my child? What documents are required and how long does it usually take for the paternity acknowledgment to become legally effective? Are there any possible legal obstacles or pitfalls that I should be aware of?
Thank you in advance for your support, and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Lina Gallenberg
Dear Ms. Gallenberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the recognition of paternity. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that the paternity of your child is legally recognized. In Germany, there are clear regulations and procedures to officially establish paternity.
To have the paternity of your child recognized, both you as the mother and the potential father must make a declaration. This can be done either at the registry office or at the youth welfare office. Both parents must appear in person and provide proof of their identity. Typically, the child's birth certificate and the parents' IDs are also required.
Once the paternity is recognized, the father will be registered in the birth register and will also receive a paternity recognition certificate. This certificate is an important proof of legal paternity. It is important to note that paternity recognition is irrevocable once it is legally established.
The duration of the process may vary depending on the authority, but typically you will receive the relevant documents within a few weeks. There are usually no legal obstacles as long as the potential father acknowledges paternity. However, if the father denies paternity or there are doubts about his paternity, it may lead to a judicial process.
It is advisable to seek legal advice beforehand to ensure that all necessary steps are carried out correctly. A family law attorney can assist you in this process and support you in case of any problems.
I hope this information helps you and I am available for further questions.
Sincerely,
Gerd Möller
Family Law Attorney
