Is it mandatory to register the father in a birth certificate?

Question

Hallo, I have a child with a German native. Its unfortunate he refused the child but we end up having DNA test. Can l still take the child’s birth certificate alone together with the DNA results without including him since he want nothing to do with the child? Can the child bear my names on the birth certificate only? I honestly think its not fair to force a man to love his child. l just want to live alone with my child without emotional stress. Thank you.

Answer 1

Dear @Simi,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us again.

If I remember correctly from one of your last questions, the paternity issue was subject in court proceedings, right? I am neither a lawyer nor a specialist in family law, but I assume that if the authorities already know about the father (latest through a mandated/official DNA-test), it might be difficult not to name him as the father of the child in the birth certificate. Additionally, it can get complicated in case you want to apply for certain allowances (as the so-called "Unterhaltsvorschuss" if the father is not supporting the child financially). Eventually it may also be in the child's interest to learn about his/her father later.

However, you can always keep the sole custody of the child - is that also an option?

In any case, please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Comments

Thank you so much for responding. Yes paternity was done by the court. Will the court assist me to have him sign any document for  the child including birth certificate. He want nothing to do with his own child. How do we then raise a child together when he isn’t willing to be a father? Its sad the system does not protect women from such men. Imagine as a foreigner and someone treats you like you are a nobody and dump you with a child. I don’t feel safe anymore