Request a certificate of sole custody

Do you have sole custody of your child and need a certificate confirming this? Learn more about the process, costs, duration, and required documents here.

Detailed description

If you as the mother are not married to the child's father and no entries have been made in the custody register, you can request a certificate of sole custody (negative certificate).

A custody register is kept there for children of parents who are not married to each other. Entries are made in this custody register if:

Declarations of care must be made.
Based on a final court decision, custody has been transferred in whole or in part jointly.
Custody has been completely or partially withdrawn from the mother or transferred to the father due to a final court decision.

If no entry has been made in the custody register, you will be issued with a written certificate of sole custody. If entries have been made in the custody register based on a court decision that relate to the distribution of parental custody, you will receive written information that entries have been made in the custody register.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

You are the mother of a child for whom you have sole custody.

Documents required

Mother's identity card
Child's birth certificate

Please note

Deadlines

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

You submit your application to the responsible authority in person, in writing or by email and provide at least the following information:
- Child's date of birth
- Place of birth of the child
- Name of the child as it was at the time of birth registration.
The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any missing documents or information from you.
If you pass the exam, you will receive the certificate.

Processing time

3 days to 6 weeks

Fees

Legal notes

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 58 of the Social Code, Book Eight (SGB VIII)

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Last updated: 07.09.2025

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