Recognition of a child (unmarried couple): approach
Verified 06 June 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You're not married and you want to recognize your child? His filiation is not automatic. If you are the father, a recognition is mandatory. You can do it before birth or later. If you are the mother, it is enough for your name to appear on the birth certificate, but recognition before birth is possible. We'll tell you what you need to know.
If you are not married, your child's 2 filiation, maternal and paternal, are independent of each other (we are talking about the divisible character of the parent-child relationship).
The recognition of the child is a voluntary and personal act, which commits only the person who makes the request.
Each of you 2 can have your filiation relationship established with the child without having to ask the other parent for permission.
The filiation of your child is established differently depending on whether you are the father or the mother.
FYI
If you are a couple of women, you have to go through a joint recognition.
If you live abroad, ask the embassy or consulate for information on what to do.
By the father
You can recognize your child before birth.
You can recognize your child without assistance in the following cases:
- You're a minor
- You are subject to a legal protection measure (including guardianship or curatorship).
Recognition can be done in any town hall presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) of less than 3 months.
Your identity document can be your national identity card, passport, residence permit or any other official document issued by a public authority.
You must present the original of the document, whether or not it is valid.
You do not have to present a pregnancy certificate.
The civil registrar shall immediately draw up the certificate of recognition.
He makes you sign it.
He will give you a copy of the document that must be presented at the birth declaration.
The act of recognition shall state the following:
- Surname and forename(s), date and place of birth, occupation, father's domicile
- Surname and forename(s), date and place of birth, occupation, domicile of the mother (if the father can give this information).
Check with the City Hall if you need to make an appointment.
Please note
Recognition can also be done in front of a notary (for example if you want it to remain confidential).
Who shall I contact
To establish paternal filiation, you must recognize the child.
You can recognize your child without assistance in the following cases:
- You're a minor
- You are subject to a legal protection measure (including guardianship or curatorship).
You can do it during the birth declaration.
Recognition is then contained in the child's birth certificate.
Please note
You can recognize a dead child, if he was born alive and viable.
To establish paternal filiation, you must recognize the child.
You can recognize your child without assistance in the following cases:
- You're a minor
- You are subject to a legal protection measure (including guardianship or curatorship).
Recognition is done in town hall (or possibly before a notary).
Special rules are provided for in case of delivery under X.
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General case
You can recognize your child regardless of age.
You can also recognize a deceased child (we are talking about posthumous recognition).
Please note
If his filiation is established with respect to another man, you must to challenge that parentage before you can make a late recognition.
Who shall I contact
Recognition can be done in any town hall presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) of less than 3 months.
Your identity document can be your national identity card, passport, residence permit or any other official document issued by a public authority. You must present the original of the document, whether or not it is valid.
It is recommended that you also bring a birth certificate or family record book.
Check with the City Hall if you need to make an appointment.
The registrar will write the acknowledgement and have you sign it.
The act of recognition shall state the following:
- Surname and forename(s), date and place of birth, occupation, father's domicile
- Surname and forename(s), date and place of birth, occupation, domicile of the mother
- Surname and forename(s), date and place of birth, sex of the child.
The civil registrar of the city hall of birth indicates this recognition in the margins of the child's birth certificate and in the family record book.
The registrar also informs the other parent of the recognition by mail RAR: titleContent.
Please note
Recognition can also be done in front of a notary (for example if you want it to remain confidential).
Who shall I contact
Delivery under X
If the child was born under X, you can recognize it within 2 months of birth.
Recognition can be done in any town hall presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) of less than 3 months.
Your identity document can be your national identity card, passport, residence permit or any other official document issued by a public authority.
You must present the original of the document, whether or not it is valid.
Who shall I contact
If you do not know the child's date and place of birth, you can contact the public prosecutor to investigate the date and place of birth.
Who shall I contact
By the mother
You can recognize your child before birth.
Recognition can be done in any town hall presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) of less than 3 months.
Your identity document can be your national identity card, passport, residence permit or any other official document issued by a public authority.
You must present the original of the document, whether or not it is valid.
The civil registrar shall immediately draw up the certificate of recognition. He makes you sign it.
He will give you a copy of the document that must be presented at the birth declaration.
The act of recognition shall mention the names and forenames of the parents.
Check with the City Hall if you need to make an appointment.
You have no no steps to take.
As soon as the mother's name appears in the child's birth certificate, the mother's filiation is automatic.
Recognition is not necessary.
However, special rules are laid down in the event of delivery under X.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
General case
You have no no steps to take.
As soon as the mother's name appears in the child's birth certificate, the mother's filiation is automatic.
Delivery under X
If you gave birth under X, you need to recognize the child within 2 months of birth to ask that it be given to you.
Recognition can be done in any town hall presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) of less than 3 months
Your identity document can be your national identity card, passport, residence permit or any other official document issued by a public authority.
You must present the original of the document, whether or not it is valid.
Act of recognition
Establishment of parentage through recognition
Child born under X
FAQ
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