In Utrecht, more and more stepparents are opting for authority change instead of stepparent adoption. This grants the stepparent joint authority over the child without severing the biological tie with the other parent. This fits perfectly with the many blended families in the Utrecht region, where good co-parenting is often a priority.
Conditions and Procedure at Utrecht District Court
For a successful application, the following are required: a stable relationship between stepparent and child, the child's best interests taking precedence, and consent from the biological parents. Submit your request to the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht, including an investigation by the child protection council. The procedure typically takes 2-4 months, with a success rate of approximately 90% in the region.
Differences with Adoption in Utrecht Context
With authority change, the maintenance obligation of the biological ex-parent remains intact and the surname does not change. This is particularly suitable for Utrecht families with involved ex-partners, such as in neighborhoods like Kanaleneiland or Lombok where diverse family forms are common.
Benefits as of 2025 in Utrecht
The new legislation simplifies the application via the online portal of the Utrecht District Court. There is no longer a minimum age difference requirement between stepparent and child. Local organizations such as the Juridisch Loket Utrecht offer free advice for blended families.
Consider authority change for a less disruptive solution in your Utrecht family situation. Contact a specialized family law attorney in the city for a personal comparison.