Claim of the status of child in Italy
The claim of the status of child represents one of the most significant legal instruments for asserting one’s personal and family identity. This institution, governed by art. 239 of the Codice civile, allows the child to obtain recognition of his or her true status, where the birth certificate or the possession of status conflict with biological or legal reality. It is an action with profound personal and legal implications, as it corrects situations of error or falsity that may compromise the individual’s fundamental right to an authentic identity.
For foreign citizens residing in Italy, the claim of the status of child for foreigners in Italy takes on even greater relevance, as it often involves issues that go beyond national borders, with the need to engage with different legal systems. In such cases, the support of a law firm specialised in international law, such as Boschetti Studio Legale, is indispensable. The firm offers comprehensive and tailored assistance, guaranteeing a professional approach capable of meeting the needs of anyone facing a case of claim of the status of child or contestation of the status of child, whether they are a foreigner in Italy or a person residing abroad.
- Filiazione e minori
- Disconoscimento della paternità
- Dichiarazione giudiziale di maternità e paternità
- Reclamo dello stato di figlio
- Amministrazione beni del minore
- Responsabilità genitoriale
- Sottrazione internazionale di minori
- Filiazione per coppie omoaffettive
- Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita all’estero
Limitation period of the action of claim of the status of child
The action of claim of the status of child, as governed by art. 239 of the Codice civile, is one of the few legal actions that is not subject to limitation. This means that the child may act at any time, with no time limit whatsoever, to obtain recognition of his or her true legal status. This aspect is particularly important, as it acknowledges the centrality of the right to personal identity and protects the child from any delays or difficulties that may arise during his or her lifetime.
The main scenarios in which the claim of the status of child may be brought include situations of presumption of childbirth or substitution of newborn. In the first case, motherhood is attributed to a woman who did not give birth, often as a result of an error or an intentional simulation. In the second case, an exchange of newborns occurs, which may be accidental or wilful, with the result that the child is registered as the son or daughter of parents other than the biological ones. In both these circumstances, the child has the right to claim his or her own status, by demonstrating the untruthfulness of the birth certificate and his or her true biological descent.
Another relevant case concerns children born in marriage but registered as children of unknown parents. This situation may occur, for example, when the mother decides not to be mentioned in the birth certificate. In such circumstances, the child may act to claim his or her status, on condition that no final adoption judgment has intervened. The action may also be brought by a child recognised in conflict with the presumption of paternity or with a different presumption of paternity, as occurs in cases of concurring presumptions, for example during the period of “widow’s mourning.”
In order to exercise the claim, the child must demonstrate a series of fundamental prerequisites, including motherhood, the paternity of the mother’s husband and conception during marriage.
Evidence may be provided by any means, including witness statements, documents and scientific analyses such as the DNA test, which represents a crucial tool for ascertaining biological descent.
The contestation of the status of child
The contestation of the status of child, governed by art. 240 of the Codice civile, is an action complementary to the claim, aimed at removing a legal status that does not correspond to reality. Unlike the claim, which seeks to obtain recognition of a true status of filiation, the contestation focuses on the elimination of a status of child wrongly attributed.
This action may be brought in different circumstances, including substitution of newborn, presumption of childbirth or discrepancy between the possession of status and the birth certificate. For example, a child may contest the status attributed to him or her if he or she is registered as the son or daughter of parents who are not biologically such, or if the birth certificate does not match the actual facts. Furthermore, contestation is also admitted where the child has been registered as a child of unknown parents or where there is a mismatch between the woman indicated in the birth certificate and the actual woman who gave birth.
As for the claim, the contestation is not subject to limitation, and standing to act lies not only with the child but also with anyone who has an interest in it, such as the parents or other entitled parties. Nevertheless, the action requires solid evidence, capable of demonstrating the inaccuracy of the attributed status and justifying its removal.
Typical scenarios / Case studies
The typical scenarios have been developed by combining the most significant family law cases that the firm routinely handles, with the aim of creating a structured and complex case study to help readers navigate the handling of their own personal cases. The case studies, on the other hand, illustrate individual cases that have actually been handled by the firm, with data and details anonymised to ensure client confidentiality.
Registrazione del contratto di convivenza e regolarizzazione del partner straniero
Coppia residente a Roma: cittadino italiano e compagna straniera priva di documenti di soggiorno. Ricorso cautelare ex art. 700 c.p.c. per tutela della convivenza, seguito da pratica per carta di soggiorno familiare UE.
Adozione di maggiorenne per riconoscere un rapporto familiare di fatto
Cittadino statunitense residente a Roma con legame affettivo stabile con lo zio acquisito. Procedimento per adozione di persona maggiorenne ex artt. 291 e ss. del Codice Civile per formalizzare il rapporto familiare.
Contratto di convivenza per coppia italo-brasiliana: tutela patrimonio e permesso di soggiorno
Imprenditore italiano e compagna brasiliana conviventi da tre anni a Milano. Tre vulnerabilità interconnesse: migratoria, patrimoniale e successoria, risolte con un intervento coordinato su tre fronti paralleli.
Adozione in Colombia: coppia italiana realizza il sogno dopo 3 anni di percorso
Una coppia sposata da otto anni intraprende l’adozione internazionale con la Colombia. Un percorso attraverso due ordinamenti, tre istituzioni italiane e l’autorità centrale colombiana.
Successione con eredi in 4 paesi diversi: coordinamento Italia-USA-UK-Svizzera
Un imprenditore italiano lascia un patrimonio distribuito tra Italia, Stati Uniti e Svizzera, con quattro eredi in altrettanti paesi. Quattro ordinamenti, quattro sistemi fiscali da coordinare in parallelo.
Adozione maggiorenne figlio del partner: riconoscimento legame affettivo ventennale
Un uomo di cinquantotto anni chiede di adottare il figlio trentenne della moglie, cresciuto insieme da vent’anni. Un legame reale che la legge non riconosceva, con implicazioni successorie per i figli biologici.
Impugnazione testamento per lesione di legittima: recuperati 800.000 euro per gli eredi
Due figli ricevono 20.000 euro ciascuno da un testamento che lascia quasi tutto alla seconda moglie del padre. Un’azione di riduzione per lesione della quota di legittima risolta in mediazione.
Pianificazione successoria azienda familiare: passaggio generazionale da 3 milioni
Un imprenditore di sessantadue anni deve trasferire un’azienda da 50 dipendenti al figlio che la gestisce, tutelando la figlia che ha scelto un altro percorso. Patto di famiglia e holding per garantire continuità.
Adozione internazionale da parte di single: quando la legge apre una strada che pochi conoscono
Una donna single di quarantacinque anni intraprende l’adozione internazionale. Un percorso giuridicamente possibile ma poco conosciuto, che richiede una strategia legale specifica fin dal decreto di idoneità.
Eredità digitale: gestione criptovalute e asset digitali del defunto
Un professionista muore lasciando criptovalute per oltre 600.000 euro su wallet e exchange, senza istruzioni di accesso. Un patrimonio digitale che rischiava di andare perduto per sempre.
Rettifica del nome per persona transgender: documenti coerenti con la propria identità
Una professionista trentaduenne, in trattamento ormonale da otto anni, con documenti ancora al nome maschile di nascita. La discrepanza anagrafica generava outing forzati quotidiani in ambito lavorativo, bancario e amministrativo.
Attribuzione di sesso e aggiornamento di oltre 20 documenti: dalla sentenza alla nuova identità anagrafica
Un dirigente di 45 anni con sentenza di rettificazione già ottenuta si trova davanti al vero ostacolo: coordinare carta d’identità, patente, laurea, contratti di lavoro, mutuo e polizze assicurative presso enti con procedure non uniformate.
Legal advice for the claim of the status of child in Italy
The claim and the contestation of the status of child are complex actions that require highly qualified legal advice, especially for foreign citizens residing in Italy who find themselves dealing with the delicate matter of the claim of the status of child for foreigners in Italy.
These proceedings can be particularly difficult to handle, since they often involve evidence located in other countries, documents that are not easily obtainable and regulatory differences between the legal systems involved.
Our law firm, with its team of lawyers expert in international law, offers comprehensive and tailored assistance to address these issues. Whether it is a matter of gathering documentary evidence, representing the client in court or managing the technical aspects related to DNA analyses, the team of Boschetti Studio Legale guarantees 360-degree support, with particular attention to the specific needs of each case.
For example, in cases of presumption of childbirth or substitution of newborn, Boschetti Studio Legale assists clients in identifying the necessary evidence and in submitting an effective application. Likewise, for children registered as unknown or recognised in conflict with the presumption of paternity, the firm provides expert guidance in demonstrating biological descent and correcting the wrongly attributed legal status. Furthermore, the team has deep experience in handling cases with international elements, which often require collaboration with authorities and professionals from other countries.
If you need a lawyer for the claim of the status of child or the assistance of a law firm for a contestation of the status of child, contact us. Our mission is to protect your rights and help you obtain the recognition you deserve.
Fill in the form to allow us to assess your case. We will contact you back within 48 working hours to inform you whether and how we can assist you.
This form is reserved for those who need legal assistance on a concrete situation. We do not provide free advice nor answers to generic queries by email. If you have a case that requires professional assessment, fill in the form: we will contact you back for a first exploratory meeting.
Via dei Gracchi, 151
00192 Rome – Italy
info@familylawboschetti.com
Phone: + 39 – 06 889 21971
By appointment only
Days: Monday – Friday
Opening hours: 9.00–13.00 / 16.00–20.00
How is the status of child proven?
The status of child is proven through the birth certificate and the possession of status, that is the social and family recognition of the parental relationship. In the event of disputes, it is possible to resort to complementary means of proof, such as witnesses, official documents or scientific examinations (for example DNA tests), to demonstrate the relationship of biological or legal filiation with the parents.
How can a child be excluded from the family status?
The exclusion of a child from the family status takes place through the updating of the registry records, usually following a change of residence of the child. This procedure is formalised by means of a communication to the Registry Office of the competent Comune, which proceeds to amend the family status on the basis of the new composition of the household.
When can a mother disown a child?
A mother can disown a child where there is evidence that there has been no childbirth (presumption of childbirth) or where a substitution of newborn has occurred. The action of disownment must be brought within the time limits set by law and accompanied by documentary and scientific evidence, such as medical certifications or genetic tests.
How is the status of child acquired?
The status of child is acquired at birth through registration with the registry office or through subsequent recognition by the biological or legal parent. Furthermore, it may be obtained through a judicial declaration of motherhood or paternity, or as a result of an adoption order that attributes filiation in a legal manner.
What is the action of claim of the status of legitimate child?
The action of claim of the status of legitimate child is a legal institution provided for by art. 239 of the Codice Civile, which allows a person to obtain recognition of his or her status of child born in marriage. The action seeks to correct errors in birth certificates, establishing biological or legal filiation through means of proof such as documents, witness statements and DNA tests.
