The birth of a child changes everything. For unmarried couples, the official acknowledgment of paternity is a significant legal step that provides long-term security for the child and both parents. This guide clearly explains the entire process of paternity acknowledgment in Germany.
Table of Contents
- Definition and legal basis of paternity acknowledgment
- The importance of certified translations
- Applying for paternity acknowledgment – step by step
- Required documents and requirements
- Legal consequences for father and child
- Special situations in paternity acknowledgment
- International Paternity Recognition
- Country-specific characteristics
- Certified translations - prices and services
- Our customers' experiences
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Complete checklist before the appointment with the authorities
- Related topics
Definition of paternity acknowledgment
For married couples , the husband is automatically the legal father of a child born during the marriage. The situation is quite different for unmarried couples – here, paternity must be officially acknowledged for the biological father to also become the legal father.
Paternity acknowledgment is a voluntary, official process in which a man declares his paternity of a child. This declaration has far-reaching legal consequences and establishes a lifelong kinship relationship between father and child.
What else you should 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 challenged under strict conditions.
- It has direct implications for maintenance obligations, inheritance law, and citizenship.
Why expectant parents trust us
The path to official paternity acknowledgment – step by step
Document preparation
Gather all necessary documents and find out about local responsibilities.
Required documents:
- Valid identity card or passport of both parents
- Child's birth certificate (if already born)
- Birth certificates of both parents
- For foreign documents: certified translations
- Registration certificates of both parents
- Proof of marital status
Appointment scheduling
Contact one of the relevant authorities:
- Youth Welfare Office: Free consultation and certification
- Registry office: Convenient for simultaneous name naming
- Notary: Alternative for a fee
Tip: Commission translations 2-3 weeks before the deadline.
Notarization appointment
Schedule of the appointment:
- Identity verification and document control
- Advice on legal consequences
- Acknowledgement of paternity by the father
- Mother's consent
- Preparation of the official certificate
After the notarization
Important next steps:
- Receive several certified copies
- Automatic registration in the birth register
- Apply for a new birth certificate with the father listed.
- Consider a joint custody declaration
Legal consequences of paternity acknowledgment – What exactly changes for father and child?
For the child
- Right to the father's name
- Inheritance claims against the father
- Maintenance claims
- Right to contact with both parents
- German citizenship if the father is German
- Access to benefits from the father's health insurance
For the father
- Maintenance obligation until the child becomes financially independent
- Option of joint custody (after separate declaration)
- Right of access to the child
- Tax advantages (child tax allowance, relief for single parents)
- Option of parental leave
Joint custody – A separate step
Paternity acknowledgment alone does not automatically lead to joint custody. This must be declared in a separate step:
- Both parents submit a joint declaration of custody .
- This can be done at the same time as the acknowledgment of paternity.
- Or it can be made up for later.
- The declaration can be made at the youth welfare office, registry office or notary.
For further questions regarding child custody, please read our guide to the professional translation of child custody documents .
Special situations in paternity acknowledgment
Underage fathers
Even underage fathers can acknowledge paternity, but they need the consent of their legal representatives.
- Consent of both parents is required.
- Guardianship can decide in case of refusal.
- Advice from the youth welfare office is particularly important
Adoption after acknowledgment of paternity
After paternity has been acknowledged, adoption by the mother's partner is still possible.
- Consent of the acknowledging father is required.
- The child's welfare is paramount.
- Termination of all rights and obligations of the biological father
- New legal parenthood is created
International Paternity Recognition
Country-specific features regarding paternity recognition
Families with different nationalities are subject to special rules and procedures. Documents often need to be legalized and translated. In some cases, paternity acknowledgment can also affect residency status.
Implications regarding residency rights
A declaration of paternity can have significant consequences for the foreign father and the child.
- Possible granting of a residence permit for the foreign parent
- Easier family reunification
- Possible naturalization facilitations
Documents from abroad
Different requirements apply depending on the country of origin:
- EU countries: Generally, no apostille is required.
- Hague Apostille States: Apostille required
- Other countries: Full legalization through German diplomatic missions abroad
- All documents: Certified translation by sworn translators
| Country of origin | Special features |
|---|---|
| Türkiye | Apostille is required; if a Turkish birth certificate is unavailable, special documentation is necessary. |
| Russia | Full legalization required |
| USA | Apostille sufficient, but note national differences. |
| Ukraine | Simplified documentation requirements since the beginning of the war |
| Brazil | Apostille sufficient since 2016 |
Our customers' experiences
"The paternity acknowledgment process was initially confusing for us as a binational couple. The quick and reliable translation of my Turkish documents significantly simplified the process. Instead of months of waiting, we had all the necessary paperwork together within 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 beforehand 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 override the lack of consent if this is in the best interests of the child and a genetic paternity test confirms biological paternity.
No, a paternity test is not required for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. However, it can be advisable if there is any doubt or to avoid future challenges. Approximately 12% of our clients opt for a voluntary test as a precautionary measure.
No, joint custody must be established through a separate declaration of custody by both parents. This declaration can, however, be submitted to the same office at the same time as the acknowledgment of paternity.
In this case, paternity can be legally established. The mother or the child can file a corresponding application with the family court. A genetic paternity test is usually required for a court-ordered determination.
Generally, your personal appearance is required. In justified exceptional cases (such as 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 available in your specific situation.
Your complete checklist before your 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 single status)
- If married: divorce decree or death certificate
👶 Documents relating to the child
- Child's birth certificate (if already born)
- Maternity record with expected due date
- Any existing paternity acknowledgments
- For multiple children: documents for all children
🌍 International documents
- Certified translations of all foreign language documents
- Apostille or legalization (depending on the country of origin)
- Bring original documents and translations.
- For EU citizens: European documents usually do not require an apostille.
⏰ Follow-up to appointments
- Appointment confirmation printed
- Contact details of the authority noted
- Questions regarding the custody declaration have been prepared
- Considering naming the child
- Power of attorney in case a parent is unable to help
