Known Donor Agreement in the Netherlands: Clauses, Costs and Checklist

A known-donor agreement is useful because it makes expectations visible before conception. It is not a shortcut around Dutch family law and cannot guarantee that a court will enforce every clause. Each adult should understand the document and obtain independent advice where their interests may differ.

Cover roles, contact and decisions

State whether the donor is intended to have limited contact, an ongoing Donor Plus role or a co-parenting role. Address pregnancy updates, birth, naming, photographs, contact frequency, holidays, major decisions and how the child’s developing wishes will be heard. Use precise arrangements while allowing child-centred review.

Record health, identity and expenses

List screening and identity checks, continuing medical-update duties, donor-sibling information and secure record storage. Separate documented expenses from any payment and obtain advice on what is permitted. Budget for screening, clinic services if used, travel, counselling, legal advice, repeat attempts and future document reviews.

Add change and dispute procedures

Cover relocation, new partners, illness, death, loss of contact and a change of mind before conception. Specify regular reviews, written amendments, mediation and when legal advice comes first. Complete the agreement before donation, keep signed copies and never use a clause to remove consent, restrict lawful rights or displace the child’s welfare.