Applying for a declaration of age of majority as an underage mother
Are you are a mother aged 16 or 17? You can then apply to the court for a meerderjarigheidsverklaring (declaration of age of majority) – to declare you an adult. In the Netherlands you must be meerderjarig (18 years of age or older) to be able to exercise parental responsibility for a child.
Last updated on 25 June 2025
Parental responsibility after receiving the meerderjarigheidsverklaring
A meerderjarigheidsverklaring gives you, as an underage mother, parental responsibility for your child. You are therefore responsible for the care and upbringing of your child. A judge will issue a meerderjarigheidsverklaring if they consider this to be in the best interests of you and your child. Underage fathers cannot apply for a meerderjarigheidsverklaring.
How to apply for a meerderjarigheidsverklaring
You need to submit your application for a meerderjarigheidsverklaring (in Dutch) to a district court. You will need a lawyer for this procedure.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 1, artikel 253ha