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

A custody register is maintained for children of unmarried parents. Entries are made in this custody register if:

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Custody has been withdrawn in whole or in part from the mother or transferred to the father due to a final court decision.

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).

If no entry has been made in the custody register, you will receive a written certificate confirming sole custody. If, based on a court order, entries have been made in the custody register relating to the allocation of parental custody, you will receive written notification 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)

Find out your responsible facility

Last updated: 28.10.2025

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