12 May 2025
The biological parents of a child are those whose DNA the child carries. The legal parents are the child’s recognised family members under the law. In this blog, we briefly explain how a man becomes — or can become — the legal father of a child.
The legal father is:
The main consequences of legal fatherhood are:
The man who is married to, or the registered partner of, the mother at the time of the child’s birth automatically becomes the child’s legal father. Even if he is not the biological father, he is recognised as the legal father by law.
If there is no marriage or registered partnership, a man must acknowledge the child to become the legal parent. Acknowledgement is a relatively straightforward procedure usually carried out at the local municipality. It can take place before the child’s birth, during the registration of the birth, or afterwards. Certain documents must be submitted, and the registrar will check whether the legal conditions for acknowledgement are met.
One important requirement for acknowledgement is prior written consent from the mother, and, for children aged 12 and over, consent from the child as well. In practice, this consent form is available on the municipality’s website and can be completed and signed at home. Physical presence of the mother at the time of acknowledgement is not required.
If the mother (and the child aged 12 or over) does not consent to the acknowledgement, the man can apply to the court for substitute consent. This procedure must be initiated by filing a petition with the court through a lawyer.
To obtain substitute consent, the following conditions must be met:
The court may order a DNA test to determine whether the man is indeed the biological father of the child.
It is also possible to become a legal father through adoption. Several requirements apply when adopting a Dutch child, and a formal request must be submitted to the court. Legal representation by a lawyer is mandatory for this procedure.
If a man is the biological father of a child, or if he gave the mother permission for conception, the court can establish his legal paternity. This request can only be made by the mother or the child concerned.
Additional evidence is required for the court to establish paternity. A DNA test may be conducted, which usually provides conclusive evidence, although other forms of proof such as witness testimony can also be sufficient. Legal representation is also mandatory in this procedure.
If minor children are involved in a parentage case, the court will appoint a special curator. The special curator acts to protect and represent the interests of the child.
Please note: being a legal parent does not automatically grant parental responsibility! Click here for more information about (joint) parental responsibility.
Would you like more information about legal parenthood or do you have another legal question? Please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
