Recognition

Questioner

On behalf of my stepdaughter I ask the following: She has a minor son (15 years old). Now wants to have him recognized and apply for parental authority because mother will die soon. Father is now married (to someone else) and has children with his wife, Can a father recognize his previously born child without any problems? Who is the mother's heir if the child is not recognized?

Lawyer

Yes, the father can acknowledge his previously born child without any problems. However, the mother's permission is required for this as long as the child is not yet 16 years old. From the age of 12, the child will also have to give permission for the acknowledgement. After the age of 16, only the child's own permission is required for the acknowledgement. The child is the mother's heir. It does not matter whether or not there is acknowledgement.