Parental custody for unmarried parents in The Netherlands: FAQs
This article answers some frequently asked questions we are regularly asked about parental custody and paternity in The Netherlands for unmarried parents.
How to get a passport for a child after divorce when the other parent is not cooperating
In The Netherlands, joint custody requires both parents’ consent to apply for a child’s passport. If one parent is uncooperative or unreachable, judicial consent can be sought to bypass this. The process varies for applications made domestically versus from abroad, necessitating legal advice in contested cases. Starting early is essential.
Read moreThe role of child protection services in Dutch divorce and child custody cases
In The Netherlands, if a child is deemed at risk, child protection services (CPS) can be called in. This can range from voluntary help to forced interventions. However, it is a stubborn myth that the authorities take children out of their homes easily. This article examines the role of different partsRead more
Adoption by a step-parent in The Netherlands
What if the biological parent is not a feature in the children’s lives but your new partner is? Sometimes after a divorce the other parent disappears and is not there to make the important decisions and a new partner is the ‘Dad’ in the children’s lives. Or the biological parentRead more
Moving abroad: Sole custody has its limits
A parent with sole custody traditionally has the right to decide all matters regarding their child without needing permission from the other parent. This includes moving abroad with the child if the parent so wishes. However, in recent years the rights of the other parent, usually fathers, are increasingly beingRead more
Automatic parental custody approved in The Netherlands
As of January 1st, 2023 any parent that is officially registered on a child’s birth certificate will have automatic parental custody of the child in The Netherlands. Up until now unmarried parents had to register custody arrangements separately with the courts after the birth. This needed the cooperation of theRead more
Parenting disputes: new partners
It has to be one of the most contentious parenting disputes after a divorce. How do you introduce or act towards a new partner that will be a part of your child’s family from now on? This article discusses some do’s and don’ts regarding new partners in order to avoidRead more
Parenting disputes: choosing a school
Joint parental custody means that both parents need to agree on a school for their child. Choosing a school can be problematic, not just in divorce situations. Dutch law permits parents to request the family court to resolve any disputes that may occur. This article explains how the courts generallyRead more
‘Child’ maintenance for young adults in The Netherlands
Child maintenance is usually owed until the age of 21 in The Netherlands. However, a child legally reaches majority at 18. Who is therefore responsible for requesting maintenance for young adults once they reach the age of 18?
Grandparents rights to contact with their grandchildren
After an ugly divorce or after a parent dies, grandparents may lose contact with their grandchildren. Contact can be particularly difficult if the grandparents live outside of The Netherlands. So what are the options for grandparents to maintain a relationship with their grandchildren in The Netherlands?