Acknowledge the baby before the birth (reconnaissance anticipée)
If you are not married, the mother's link to the baby is automatic and the other parent's is not. The other parent establishes it by making a reconnaissance — a short declaration at any mairie, with photo ID and proof of address less than three months old. Checked against justice.fr on 21 September 2026.
- Who it applies to
- People who are not married, PACS included and have a partner going through it with them
- On your timeline
- Paperbump schedules this from around week 10 of the pregnancy until the birth
- Official source
- justice.fr
- Last checked
- 21 September 2026
What else to know
You can do it before the birth, at any town hall in France, not only your own, and the mother does not need to be there or to consent. Do it before the birth and both parents are legal parents from the moment the baby arrives. For two mothers, a joint anticipated recognition is required.
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