Recognition of paternity when mother is abroad and father is in Ukraine. Is it possible to do it before the child is born, by proxy, online etc.?

I. If the Woman is Married:

• A child conceived and/or born during the marriage is considered to be the offspring of the spouses.
• The father of the child is automatically recognized as the woman's husband, without the need to submit additional statements.

II. If the Woman is Not Married:

1. Child Born After the Dissolution of Marriage:

• If the child is born within 10 months after the dissolution of the marriage and the mother has not remarried, the former husband is considered the father.

2. Procedures for Establishing Paternity:

• Joint Statement of Parents:
• Paternity can be recognized through a joint statement of the mother and father.
• The statement is submitted to the registry office (DRAСS) and can be done:
• Before the child's birth.
• After the child's birth.
• Recognition Through Court:
• If the father or mother does not acknowledge paternity, the matter can be resolved by a court decision.

Methods of Submitting the Statement:

1. In Person:

• Parents can submit a joint statement directly to the registry office (DRACS).

2. Through a Representative:

• The statement can be submitted by a representative, provided there is a notarized power of attorney.

3. By Mail:

• If it is not possible to submit the statement in person, it can be sent by mail. In this case, the statement must also be notarized.

Features of International Regulation:

• A mother living abroad can submit her part of the statement at a Ukrainian consular office or through a local notary, with subsequent certification and legalization of the document according to international requirements (e.g., apostille).