Acknowledging or establishing paternity: here is how
If the parents are not married at the birth, the man does not automatically become the legal father. Only the acknowledgment of paternity (or a judicial establishment) creates the legal connection, with consequences for custody, maintenance and inheritance law.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Clarify the question →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Clarify the path
By agreement (acknowledgment) or in dispute (judicial establishment)?
- 2
2. Certify the acknowledgment
At the registry office, youth office or notary with the mother's consent, usually free of charge at the youth office.
- 3
3. Consider the consequences
With paternity come maintenance obligations, inheritance and, where applicable, custody questions.
- 4
4. If in doubt: watch the deadlines
For a challenge a deadline applies (usually 2 years from becoming aware); get advice in good time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I acknowledge paternity?
Through a declaration at the registry office, youth office or notary, to which the mother must consent (§ 1592 Nr. 2 BGB). At the youth office this is usually free of charge. With the acknowledgment the man becomes the legal father, with all rights and duties (maintenance, inheritance law; custody must be arranged separately).
Can I challenge a paternity?
Yes, if there are doubts about the biological paternity, but only within the deadline of usually two years from becoming aware of the circumstances that speak against paternity (§ 1600b BGB). Entitled to challenge are, among others, the legal father, the mother and the child. Get advice early because of the deadlines.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.