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Verified 10 October 2022 - 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.
FYI
if you are a couple of women, you have to go through a joint recognition.
By the father
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) less than 3 months old
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)
Who shall I contact
- Town Hall
Check with the City Hall if you need to make an appointment.
Please note
recognition can also be made before 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 do it during the birth declaration.
Recognition is then contained in the child's birth certificate.
To establish paternal filiation, you must recognize the child.
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.
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) less than 3 months old
It is recommended to bring a birth certificate or family record book.
Who shall I contact
- Town Hall
Check with the City Hall if you need to make an appointment.
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 City Hall of Birth indicates this recognition in the margins of the child's birth certificate and in the family record book.
Please note
recognition can also be made before a notary (for example if you want it to remain confidential).
Who shall I contact
Delivery under X
You can recognize your child born under X 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) less than 3 months old
Who shall I contact
- Town Hall
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) less than 3 months old
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.
Who shall I contact
- Town Hall
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.
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 city hall by presenting the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Entitlement of domicile (or residence) less than 3 months old
Who shall I contact
- Town Hall
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Town Hall
Act of recognition
Establishment of parentage through recognition
Child born under X
FAQ
What are the consequences of late recognition?
Declaration of birth or recognition of a child: what are the differences?
Can we recognize a child whose father we are not?
Affiliation: What to do if the father dies before birth?
Joint recognition of a child in a female couple
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