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Establishment of Parental Status

Is it unclear who the father or co-mother of a child is? In that case, the court can establish parental status. This officially determines who is the child’s legal parent.

The Civil Affairs Department updates the records with the court’s ruling.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

Only the birth mother or the child may file a petition with the court to establish parentage.
You will always need a lawyer for this.

 parentage determination, the court determines who is the child’s legal parent.

This may involve:

  • the child’s father
  • the mother’s female partner (co-mother)

The court may order a DNA test or use other evidence, such as witness statements.

Once parentage is established, the parent has rights and obligations, such as:

  • the obligation to provide child support;
  • visitation rights;
  • inheritance rights;
  • the right to have the child take their last name.

Parents or co-mothers can also contest parentage if it turns out that the legal parentage is incorrect.

You can contact the Civil Affairs Department for information about establishing parenthood.
In addition, the Civil Affairs Department ensures that records are updated following the court’s ruling.

When can you apply for this?

You must meet the following requirements:

  • Only the birth mother or the child may file the petition;
  • You will need an attorney;
  • The petition must be filed with the court in Bonaire;
  • When determining the identity of a co-mother, the court will examine whether she consented to the conception of the child.

How do you apply for this?

Here’s how to establish parentage:

  1. Contact a lawyer.
  2. The lawyer files a petition with the court.
  3. The court may request a DNA test or other evidence.
  4. After reviewing the evidence, the court will issue a decision regarding parentage.

How long does it take?

The timeframe for processing the case depends on the court.
The judge will render a decision after all evidence has been submitted and reviewed.

Do you disagree with the decision?

Do you disagree with the judge’s decision?
If so, you can file an objection or appeal through your lawyer.
The proceedings will then continue in the higher court.

Which laws and rules apply?

What do we do with your personal data?

When you submit a request or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.

The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.

The most important rules are:

  • The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data necessary to process your request or report.
  • They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care.
  • Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
  • Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
  • Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
  • You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.
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