The father of a child is the man who is married to the child's mother at the time of birth. If the parents are not married to each other, acknowledgment of paternity or a court determination of paternity is always required.

If an adoption took place abroad, the family court may, upon request, determine whether it is to be recognized in Germany. It may also order that the adoption be converted into one with the full legal effects provided for under German law.

You can apply for maintenance advance if you are a single parent and the parent who is liable to pay maintenance does not pay any, irregular or too little maintenance for the child.

You can request a birth certificate from the civil registry office that maintains the birth registry (usually at the place of birth).

The birth of a child must be reported to the registry office with jurisdiction over the place of birth. 

In cases of doubt, the administrative authorities may issue a generally binding decision as to whether or not German citizenship exists.

The registry office checks whether a child of foreign parents has acquired German citizenship by birth in Germany in accordance with Section 4 (3) of the Citizenship Act.