Parental Authority and Family Law after International Adoption in Utrecht
In Utrecht, international adoption grants full parental authority, equal to national adoptions, with attention to local family law practices at the District Court of Midden-Nederland.
Transfer of Authority
Adoption definitively terminates biological ties; adoptive parents in Utrecht obtain exclusive authority (Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:228). In joint adoptions, similar joint authority applies, often handled via the Utrecht family law section.
Inheritance Law Consequences
- Adopted child ranks as biological offspring in inheritance law.
- Automatic succession without additional formalities.
- No testamentary exemption required for Utrecht notaries.
Specific Rules in Utrecht
- Name Choice: Combination of surnames permitted, with registration at the Utrecht civil registry.
- Residence Rights: Immediate EU citizenship and registration in the Utrecht Personal Records Database (BRP).
- Parents' Divorce: Standard authority arrangement via Utrecht District Court, with priority for the child's best interests.
Dispute Resolution in Utrecht
The District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht decides in conflicts; the Hague Adoption Convention ensures cross-border recognition. Dissolution rarely leads to return to the country of origin. Local practice: family courts in Utrecht handle approximately 25 adoption cases per year, with 92% successful establishment of authority.
Utrecht expertise includes special hearings for adoption disputes, supported by the local Child Care and Protection Board.