Are you a parent of a child born in Belgium and want to regularize your situation?

We help you assert your rights while meeting the new requirements of municipal authorities and the Prosecutor’s Office.

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A supervised and sensitive procedure

Since 2018, recognition of a child by a Belgian parent or one with legal residence can open a residence right for the other parent. Unfortunately, this right is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

The law now imposes a double administrative and judicial control, with the possibility for the civil registrar:

  • to suspend recognition for advice to the Prosecutor’s Office;
  • or even to refuse it if they believe the procedure is solely motivated by a desire to obtain a residence permit.

Your file must prove the reality of the parental bond, the child’s interest, and the integrity of the procedure.

Attention: recognition alone is not enough to obtain residence. You must prove the child’s interest and the reality of the family bond. The Prosecutor’s Office can suspend or refuse recognition if it suspects it is « fraudulent » (done only for residence).

The more structured, coherent, and documented your file is, the more you increase your chances of avoiding a refusal or prolonged investigation. We help you build a solid file, compliant with the law, and anticipate frequent blockages.

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Who is concerned?

The procedure applies in the following cases:

  • Recognition in Belgium of a foreign child, by a Belgian or a person with legal residence.
  • Recognition in Belgium of a Belgian child, by a foreign parent.
  • Recognition made abroad requiring transcription or validation in Belgium.

In all these situations, recognition is only possible after submission of a complete file and compliance with legal steps.

We support you at every step

Our goal: to transform your family project into an admissible and defensible procedure before the administration.

1

Analysis of your personal situation

We verify the parents’ status, the child’s nationality, and the legal conditions for valid recognition.

2

Building your file

We gather the necessary documents: records, identity proofs, family ties or cohabitation, taking into account municipal requirements.

3

Declaration submission

After your submission to the civil registrar, we assist you in anticipating fraud suspicions or suspensions by the Prosecutor’s Office, we monitor legal deadlines and manage any requests for additional information.

4

In case of blockage

In case of unjustified refusal or suspension, we file a quick appeal before the competent court.

5

Post-recognition follow-up

If a residence right is opened, we support you in filing the application at the municipality.

For over 25 years, our firm has defended families’ rights.

  • SC

    Very professional firm with responsive lawyers who listen. Results meet client expectations. I highly recommend this firm, well-known for its professional skills, as it was recommended to me and I don't regret this wonderful and fruitful encounter.

  • M

    Un des Cabinets d'Avocats spécialisé dans le droit de l'immigration, le plus humain que je connaisse, avec un taux de réussite très élevé. M. HALABI et ses associées travaillent avec coeur et dévouement pour leurs clients.

  • CB

    Maître Halabi and her team were a gem with us. We thank you very much for your services. We greatly appreciated your advice, your warm welcome, and especially your work that gave us wonderful results! We have never regretted starting a case with you.

  • KB

    I highly recommend Maître Halabi for their exemplary professionalism, hard work, and great listening skills. Their help and understanding have been a great support in my procedures, and I am convinced they will effectively assist you. A team you can trust with confidence.

  • AL

    Advocat Halabi's team has been nothing less than a lifeline for our family. We are beyond grateful to Advocat Aurélie, Emerence, and Emmanuelle for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this entire process. Highly recommended.

  • IH

    I want to infinitely thank the entire team at Cabinet d'avocats Halabi et Associés for their attention and dedication in handling our file for a regularization request. From the beginning, we were supported and guided step by step throughout the entire process. I recommend this firm without hesitation to anyone motivated and looking for a serious, professional, and competent law firm.