Parental authority means that as a parent you are responsible for the upbringing and care of your minor child. It gives you the authority to make important choices in your child's life.
Meaning of parental authority
Parental authority consists of three core components:
- Care and upbringing: Providing daily guidance to the child
- Legal representation: Acting on behalf of the child in formal matters
- Asset management: Managing the child's finances and property
Important choices under authority
| Subject | Examples |
|---|---|
| Education | Choice of school, transfer, extra lessons |
| Health | Medical interventions, vaccinations, treatment plans |
| Residence | Relocating, child's living arrangement |
| Religion | Religious education, ceremonies |
| Finances | Savings account, inheritances, policies |
| Documents | Application for passport or ID card |
Who gets authority?
Automatic authority is granted to:
- The biological mother (except in cases of deprivation)
- The father who is married or has a registered partnership
- The father who has acknowledged the child and applied for authority
How long does authority last?
Parental authority remains in effect until:
- The child reaches the age of 18
- The child is declared of legal age by a court
- A court terminates the authority
Difference between authority and contact
Authority and contact are not the same:
| Authority | Contact |
|---|---|
| Right to make legal decisions | Right to contact with the child |
| Can be with one or both parents | Right for every parent |
| Required for important decisions | Independent of authority arrangement |
Can a parent without authority still make decisions?
A parent without authority has no legal say over the child. This parent does have a right to information and contact with the child. In case of daily contact, he or she can make practical choices, but major decisions (such as school choice or medical care) lie with the parent exercising authority.What to do in case of disagreement over decisions?
In joint authority, parents must agree together on important matters. If this is not possible, the court can be asked for a ruling. This process is called 'substitute permission' and is handled by, for example, the District Court of The Hague, which is also competent for Zoetermeer.Can a third party get authority?
Yes, a court can assign authority to someone else, such as a guardian, if the parents are unable to care for the child. This can happen in cases of death, deprivation of authority, or if it is in the child's best interest.Frequently asked questions about authority in Zoetermeer
How do I as an unmarried father apply for authority?
As an unmarried father, you can apply for authority via the District Court of The Hague. You do this together with the mother or alone if she does not agree. First, you must acknowledge the child at the municipality of Zoetermeer. Then you submit a request via the court's digital portal. The judge decides based on the child's best interest. This process can take several weeks to months.
What if my ex-partner blocks decisions?
In joint authority, agreement is needed for major choices. If this is not possible, you can consider mediation or request substitute permission from the District Court of The Hague. The judge weighs the child's best interest, for example in school choice or relocation. Provide evidence of your involvement.
Can I have my ex-partner's authority terminated?
Only a court can terminate authority, for example in cases of neglect or abuse. You submit a request to the District Court of The Hague with evidence. The child's best interest always comes first. In temporary issues, authority can be temporarily transferred.
May I relocate with my child if I have authority?
In joint authority, permission from the other parent is needed for a relocation that affects contact. Without agreement, you can request substitute permission from the court. In sole authority, you decide yourself, but the other parent can object if the relocation is detrimental to the child.
What happens to authority in a divorce?
After a divorce, authority usually remains with both parents. For advice or help in Zoetermeer, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.