In Westland, with its many greenhouse families and blended households in places like Naaldwijk, Monster and Kwintsheul, 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 close-knit community where co-parenting often works well.
Conditions and Procedure in Westland
For a successful application, the following are required: a stable relationship, priority for the child's best interests and consent of the biological parents. Submit the application to the District Court of The Hague, Westland location in Naaldwijk, including a child protection council investigation by the Child Protection Board. The procedure typically takes 2-4 months with a success rate of approximately 90%, accelerated by local expertise in family law.
Differences with Adoption
With authority change in Westland, the maintenance obligation of the ex-parent remains intact and the surname does not change. This is ideal for Westland families with good co-parenting, for example divorced growers who collaborate in the sector.
Advantages per 2025 for Westland
The new law simplifies the application via the online portal of the Judiciary, accessible from Poeldijk or 's-Gravenzande. There is no longer an age difference requirement, which is beneficial for younger stepparents in dynamic Westland families with involved ex-partners.
Consider authority change for a less disruptive solution in your Westland situation. Consult a local lawyer in Naaldwijk for a personal comparison and support.