The birth of a child changes everything. For unmarried couples, the official recognition of paternity is an important legal step that gives the child and both parents long-term security. This guide explains the entire process of acknowledging paternity in Germany in an understandable way.
Table of contents
- Definition and legal basis of paternity acknowledgement
- The importance of certified translations
- Applying for acknowledgement of paternity - step by step
- Required documents and requirements
- Legal consequences for father and child
- Special situations with paternity acknowledgement
- International acknowledgement of paternity
- Country-specific features
- Certified translations - prices and service
- Experiences of our customers
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Complete checklist before the appointment with the authorities
- Related topics
Definition of acknowledgment of paternity
For married couples, the following automatically applies: the husband is the legal father of a child born during the marriage. This is completely different for unmarried couples - here paternity must be officially recognized for the biological father to also become the legal father.
Acknowledging paternity is a voluntary, official procedure in which a man declares paternity for a child. This declaration has far-reaching legal consequences and establishes a lifelong relationship between father and child.
What you should also know
- It is a public document with legally binding effect
- It can take place before or after the birth of the child
- The mother's consent is generally required
- Recognition can only be contested under strict conditions
- It has a direct impact on maintenance obligations, inheritance law and citizenship
Why parents-to-be trust us
The path to official acknowledgement of paternity - step by step
Document preparation
Collect all the necessary documents and find out about local responsibilities.
Documents required:
- Valid identity card or passport of both parents
- Birth certificate of the child (if already born)
- Birth certificates of both parents
- For foreign documents: certified translations
- Registration certificates of both parents
- Proof of marital status
Making an appointment
Contact one of the responsible offices:
- Youth welfare office: Free advice and certification
- Registry office: Practical for simultaneous naming
- Notary: Alternative for a fee
Tip: Order translations 2-3 weeks before the appointment.
Notarization date
Procedure of the appointment:
- Identity check and document control
- Advice on legal consequences
- Recognition of paternity by the father
- Consent of the mother
- Creation of the official certificate
After notarization
Important next steps:
- Receive several certified copies
- Automatic entry in the birth register
- Apply for a new birth certificate with registered father
- Consider a joint custody declaration
Legal consequences of acknowledging paternity - what exactly changes for father and child?
For the child
- Right to the name of the father
- Inheritance claims against the father
- Maintenance claims
- Right to contact with both parents
- German citizenship if the father is German
- Access to the father's health insurance benefits
For the father
- Maintenance obligation until the child is financially independent
- Possibility of joint custody (after separate declaration)
- Right of access to the child
- Tax benefits (child allowance, tax relief for single parents)
- Possibility of parental leave
Joint custody - A separate step
Recognition of paternity alone does not automatically lead to joint custody. This must be declared in a separate step:
- Both parents make a joint declaration of custody
- This can be done at the same time as acknowledging paternity
- Or can also be made up later
- The declaration can be made at the youth welfare office, registry office or notary public
If you have any further questions on the subject of custody, please read our guide to the professional translation of custody documents.
Special situations with paternity acknowledgement
Underage fathers
Underage fathers can also acknowledge paternity, but require the consent of their legal representatives.
- Consent of both parents required
- Guardianship can decide in case of refusal
- Advice from youth welfare office particularly important
Adoption after acknowledgement of paternity
After paternity has been acknowledged, adoption by the mother's partner is still possible.
- Consent of the acknowledging father required
- The best interests of the child are paramount
- Termination of all rights and obligations of the biological father
- New legal parenthood emerges
International acknowledgement of paternity
Country-specific features of paternity acknowledgement
Special rules and procedures apply to families with different nationalities. The documents often have to be legalized and translated. In some cases, acknowledging paternity can also have an impact on residence status.
Effects under residence law
Acknowledging paternity can have significant consequences for the foreign father and the child.
- Possible granting of a residence permit for the foreign parent
- Facilitated family reunification
- Possible facilitation of naturalization
Documents from abroad
Different requirements apply depending on the country of origin:
- EU countries: As a rule, no apostille required
- Hague Apostille States: Apostille required
- Other countries: Complete legalization by German diplomatic mission abroad
- All documents: Certified translation by authorized translators
| Country of origin | Special features |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Apostille required, if Turkish birth certificate is missing, special proof required |
| Russia | Complete legalization required |
| USA | Apostille sufficient, note national differences |
| Ukraine | Simplified verification requirements since the beginning of the war |
| Brazil | Apostille sufficient since 2016 |
Experiences of our customers
"The process of acknowledging paternity was initially confusing for us as a binational couple. The fast and reliable translation of my Turkish documents simplified the process considerably. Instead of months of waiting, we had all the necessary papers together in just 3 weeks."
"The certified translation of my Polish birth certificate was delivered within 3 days and accepted by the registry office without any problems. The telephone consultation in advance was particularly helpful, as it explained to me exactly which documents I really needed."
More reviews on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions and our answers
No, the mother's consent is generally required. In very rare exceptional cases, the family court can replace the lack of consent if this is in the best interests of the child and a genetic paternity test confirms the biological paternity.
No, a paternity test is not required for voluntary acknowledgement. However, it can be useful if there are doubts or to avoid later challenges. Around 12% of our customers opt for a voluntary test as a precautionary measure.
No, joint custody must be established by a separate declaration of custody by both parents. However, this can be submitted to the same office at the same time as the acknowledgement of paternity.
In this case, paternity can be established in court. The mother or the child can file a corresponding application with the family court. A genetic paternity test is usually required if paternity is established by the court.
As a rule, it is necessary to appear in person. In justified exceptional cases (e.g. in the event of a stay abroad or serious illness), the declaration can also be made by an authorized representative with a notarized power of attorney. Our team will be happy to advise you on the options in your individual case.
Your complete checklist before the appointment with the authorities
📋 Personal documents
- Valid identity card or passport (both parents)
- Birth certificates of both parents
- Current registration certificates
- Proof of marital status (certificate of unmarried status)
- If married: Divorce decree or death certificate
👶 Documents about the child
- Birth certificate of the child (if already born)
- Maternity passport with expected date of birth
- Any existing acknowledgments of paternity
- If you have several children: Documents of all children
🌍 International documents
- Certified translations of all foreign-language documents
- Apostille or legalization (depending on country of origin)
- Bring original documents + translations
- For EU citizens: European documents usually without an apostille
⏰ Appointment follow-up
- Appointment confirmation printed out
- Contact details of the authority noted
- Questions about the custody declaration prepared
- Consider naming the child
- Power of attorney if one parent is unable to attend
