A custody register is kept at the responsible youth welfare office for children of unmarried parents. Entries are made in this custody register if:

• declarations of custody are made,
• custody has been awarded jointly in whole or in part on the basis of a final court decision
• custody has been wholly or partly withdrawn from the mother or transferred to the father on the basis of a final court decision.

A mother who is not married to the child's father can obtain a so-called negative certificate stating that she has been the sole holder of parental custody of her child since birth. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please get in touch using the contact details below. Information about the declaration of joint custody can be found here Joint custody (opens in a new tab)