Certificate of Recognition
Recognition of paternity, maternity, or co-maternity under Belgian law can be done at a commune or notary, before or after a child's birth. Consent is needed if the child is 12 or older. The process is free except for a 20-euro fee for international use and may require legal action for disputes.
- Audience: Residents, specifically parents recognizing a child
- Cost: Free, except 20 euros for foreign use legalization
- Documents: Identity card, power of attorney if needed
- Mode: Digital and physical
- Validity: FR/NL
Procedure
The Certificate of recognition is an authentic certificate in which a person declares the existence of a bond of paternity, maternity, or co-maternity between them and a child. This procedure falls under the law of the state of which the parent has nationality at the time of recognition.
According to Belgian law, except in exceptional cases, if you are not married to the mother, a procedure for the recognition of your child can be carried out. If the father or co-parent is married and recognizes a child conceived by a woman with whom he is not married, the spouse of the father or co-parent will be informed. Recognition can be done at the civil registry of the commune or at a notary. With the mother's consent, recognition can take place:
- Before birth. The law does not provide a minimum duration of pregnancy. You only need a certificate from a doctor confirming the pregnancy and stating the presumed date of delivery.
- During the declaration of birth.
- After birth, in most cases, there is no time limit.
If the child has reached the age of 12, both the parent whose parenthood is established, and the child must give their consent.
To recognize an adult child or an emancipated minor, the agreement of the child is sufficient. This procedure is free, but there is a fee of 20 euros payable to the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs for legalization if the deed is to be used abroad (outside the European Union). In case of disagreement on the recognition, a legal procedure can be initiated.
Documents to be provided
- Identity card (+ power of attorney and copy of the identity card of the person concerned if the request is submitted by a third party).
