Declare joint custody of a child
-
Geburt
-
Ausweise und Dokumente
Procedure
- For a declaration of custody, you must make a personal appointment with the Office of Social Services at the Specialist Service for Guardianship/Maintenance for Minors.
- You can use the online service under "Further information" - "Online service" - "Recognition of fatherhood, maternity, declaration of custody" to make an appointment.
- If you need an interpreter, please indicate the language you require when making the appointment.
- Both parents must appear in person. Preferably together.
- If not already done, the father must first effectively acknowledge paternity.
- You will be informed about the legal consequences of the custody declarations.
- The certificate of custody will then be read to you.
- Both parents must sign the document.
- Both parents will be given certified copies of the document.
Legal bases
- § 1626a Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
- § 1626d Absatz 1 Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- § 59 Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) - Achtes Buch (VIII) - Kinder- und Jugendhilfe
More information
The declaration of custody can also be submitted to a notary. There, the notarization is subject to a fee.
If no declaration of custody is submitted, the mother generally has sole custody. The father can apply to the family court for the transfer of (joint) custody.
