In Amsterdam, where blended families are becoming increasingly common due to the diverse population and dynamic neighborhoods such as the Jordaan or Oost, many stepparents opt for authority change instead of stepparent adoption. This grants the stepparent joint authority without severing the biological tie with the other parent. This fits perfectly with urban co-parenting practices and maintains close contacts with both parents.
Conditions and Procedure in Amsterdam
Requirements: a durable relationship, priority for the child's best interests, and consent of the biological parents. The application is handled by the Amsterdam District Court (location Pieter de Hoochstraat), including an investigation by the Amsterdam Child Protection Board. The procedure typically takes 2-4 months, with a success rate of approximately 90% with full cooperation. Local expertise from Amsterdam family law attorneys often accelerates this.
Differences with Adoption
With authority change in Amsterdam, the maintenance obligation of the ex-parent remains intact, and the surname does not change. This is ideal for Amsterdam families with well-functioning co-parenting, for example in divorces in busy neighborhoods like De Pijp.
Benefits as of 2025 in Amsterdam
The new law simplifies the application via the national online portal, accessible from Amsterdam homes. There is no longer an age difference requirement between partners. Perfect for blended families with an involved ex-partner in the Greater Amsterdam region, including Zuidas professionals with international backgrounds.
Consider authority change as a less disruptive solution for your Amsterdam family situation. Consult a specialized family law attorney in Amsterdam for a personal comparison and guidance.