Establishing Paternity in Cyprus – Legal Procedure and Court Action from Abroad
Introduction
Paternity recognition is one of the most delicate areas of family law — especially when parents or children reside outside Cyprus.
Cyprus law allows for both voluntary recognition and judicial determination, and provides legal mechanisms for the entire process to be completed remotely through proper representation.
⚖️ Legal Framework
The legal basis includes:
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Parents and Children Relations Law (Law 216/1990)
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Family Courts Law (Law 23/1990)
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Principles of private international law
Types of Paternity Recognition
1.
Voluntary Recognition (Article 19, Law 216/1990)
The father can voluntarily recognize the child:
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By submitting a written declaration before the District Officer or Registrar of Births
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In the presence of the mother (if the child is a minor)
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The declaration is recorded in the Cyprus Birth Registry
✅ This can also be done via a Cypriot consulate abroad
2.
Judicial Recognition (Article 21, Law 216/1990)
Judicial recognition occurs through a court application filed by:
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The mother
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The child (if of legal age)
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The alleged father (to challenge another paternity)
When Is Court Recognition Necessary?
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The father refuses to recognize the child
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The father is deceased and no declaration was made
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The child or mother needs to prove paternity for citizenship, inheritance, or child support
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The child seeks to legally establish biological paternity
Proof of Paternity
The Family Court may:
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Order DNA testing
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Accept medical reports, testimony, and other evidence
Refusal to undergo DNA testing may be interpreted against the party.
Remote Legal Process from Abroad
If the applicant (mother/child) or the respondent (alleged father) lives outside Cyprus:
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Legal action is filed via a Power of Attorney
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DNA testing can be conducted by authorized labs abroad, with results submitted in court
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Testimonies and affidavits can be made before consular officials or notaries
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All documents are submitted electronically or by courier
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A final judgment is issued by the Cyprus Family Court
Legal Consequences of Recognition
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The child may obtain the father’s surname
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Gains full inheritance and citizenship rights
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Becomes eligible for child support
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Can be included in family registries and civil records
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May apply for Cypriot nationality, if the father is a Cypriot citizen
How E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC Can Help
We offer comprehensive legal services including:
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Drafting and filing paternity claims
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Coordinating DNA tests with international labs
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Representing clients fully remotely
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Guiding families through court procedures and registry updates
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Handling inheritance and child support claims following recognition
All services are available without travel to Cyprus.
Contact Us
www.hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
U.S. Phone: +13474034789
Need to establish paternity in Cyprus from abroad? Let us handle it — with care, confidentiality, and full legal authority.