Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Belgium is widely considered one of the most protective countries in Europe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003, and national anti-discrimination rules protect people on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Hasselt applies these national rules locally and delivers day-to-day services through the city civil registry, the local police zone and the courts of the Judicial District Limburg. While the framework is strong, practical questions still arise about marriage and cohabitation formalities, parental recognition, adoption, name and gender marker changes, workplace or housing discrimination, hate crime reporting and recognition of foreign documents. A local lawyer can help you navigate the exact procedures in Hasselt and the wider Limburg region.
You may need a lawyer if you plan to marry or enter legal cohabitation and want to understand the differences in rights and duties. You may need support establishing or recognizing parentage after assisted reproduction, stepchild adoption or second-parent adoption, especially for cross-border situations. You may want help with gender marker and first name changes at the Hasselt civil registry, or with correcting records across government agencies and private services. You may need representation if you have experienced discrimination in employment, housing, education or access to goods and services, or if you want to file a civil claim for damages. You may require counsel to report and pursue hate crime or hate speech, including joining as a civil party before the criminal court. You may need advice on immigration and family reunification based on a same-sex relationship or marriage, or on recognition of foreign marriages and parentage documents. You may seek help with school bullying or harassment policies affecting a child, or with domestic violence and protective orders where sexual orientation or gender identity is a factor. You may need guidance for asylum applications based on sexual orientation or gender identity and the evidence required by Belgian authorities.
Equality and anti-discrimination. Belgium’s federal Anti-Discrimination Act 2007 and Gender Act 2007, as amended, prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Flanders has its own Equal Opportunities Decree that reinforces these protections in employment, education, housing and services. You can lodge a complaint with Unia or the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, and you can sue in civil court for damages. Employers and schools have a legal duty to prevent and address harassment.
Marriage and legal cohabitation. Same-sex couples can marry with the same rights as different-sex couples, including inheritance, tax, social security and next-of-kin rights. Belgium also provides legal cohabitation, a registered partnership available to any two adults who share a household. Legal cohabitation gives fewer automatic rights than marriage, especially in inheritance and parental rights, so legal advice is helpful before choosing. Both marriage and cohabitation formalities are handled by the Hasselt civil registry.
Parenthood, adoption and assisted reproduction. Joint adoption and stepchild adoption by same-sex couples have been legal since 2006. Co-mother recognition is possible for lesbian couples after medically assisted reproduction, with different routes depending on whether you are married or not. If you are married, the spouse can often be recognized automatically as co-parent. If unmarried, recognition by declaration or adoption may be required. Surrogacy is not expressly regulated, which makes establishing parentage more complex, especially for international cases. Courts focus on the best interests of the child, and recognition of foreign birth certificates listing two mothers or two fathers can be fact specific.
Trans and intersex legal recognition. Since 2018, adults can change their legal gender marker through an administrative declaration at the civil registry, without medical requirements. The process typically involves an initial declaration and a later confirmation. First name changes are also handled administratively. Some parts of the law have been under review to better include non-binary people, so procedures can evolve. Check current practice at the Hasselt civil registry. Updating records with federal agencies, health insurers and private companies often requires follow-up after the civil status change.
Criminal law and hate crime. Bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity is an aggravating circumstance under the Belgian Criminal Code. Hate speech and incitement to hatred are criminal offences in defined circumstances. You can report to the local police zone Limburg Regio Hoofdstad and request that bias motivation be recorded. Victims can claim compensation and may join the case as a civil party.
Work, housing and services. Discrimination in recruitment, dismissal, pay, promotions, rental decisions and access to services is illegal. Employers must prevent harassment and protect privacy. Housing providers and businesses cannot refuse service based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Remedies include internal complaints, administrative mediation and court action for damages and injunctions.
Education. Flemish schools must provide a safe learning environment and have anti-bullying policies. Schools cannot discriminate against LGBT students or staff. Parents can request reasonable measures for a student’s chosen name and privacy. Persistent issues can be escalated to school boards, inspection services or court if necessary.
Immigration and asylum. Same-sex spouses and partners may qualify for family reunification under Belgian and EU rules if they meet relationship and financial conditions. Sexual orientation or gender identity can be grounds for refugee status. Asylum claims are assessed by the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons, and reception is organized by Fedasil. Legal representation is strongly recommended.
Language and jurisdiction. Hasselt operates primarily in Dutch. You have rights to interpretation in criminal matters and can request accommodations in administrative procedures. Family law cases are heard by the Family Court of the Court of First Instance Limburg, with a section in Hasselt.
Yes. You file a declaration of marriage with the Hasselt civil registry. You will need valid identification, proof of domicile and civil status documents. If you or your partner is a foreign national, additional documents such as a certificate of no impediment may be required. After the waiting period, you can schedule the ceremony at the city hall. Marriage gives full spousal rights identical to different-sex couples.
Marriage creates a comprehensive legal status with automatic rights in inheritance, social security, taxes, parenthood presumptions and next-of-kin decisions. Legal cohabitation is a registered status with more limited property and protection rules. It does not automatically create parentage and offers fewer inheritance rights unless you make a will. Couples choosing legal cohabitation often use tailored contracts and wills. A lawyer can help you compare and document your choice.
Same-sex couples can adopt jointly or adopt a partner’s child. You must complete preparation and assessment through the Flemish adoption authorities or an approved organization, then apply to the Family Court. International adoption depends on the law of the child’s country of origin. A lawyer can guide you through suitability assessments, court filings and recognition of foreign adoption judgments.
If you are married at the time of birth and used recognized assisted reproduction, the spouse is often recorded as co-mother. If you are not married, co-parent recognition can be done by declaration or through adoption, depending on the circumstances and paperwork from the clinic. Early legal planning avoids gaps in parental authority, travel and health care decisions.
You submit a sworn declaration at the civil registry to change your gender marker, then confirm after a reflection period. No medical interventions are required. First name changes are processed administratively, often together with the gender marker change. Surname changes follow a separate federal process. After changes, you should update the national register, identity card, driving license, social security, health insurer, bank and employer records.
Document what happened, keep emails and messages, identify witnesses and note dates. Raise the issue internally where possible, and contact Unia or the Institute for advice or mediation. You can file a complaint or bring a civil claim for damages and an injunction. Strict time limits can apply, so consult a lawyer early.
Call the police in emergencies. For non-urgent cases, report to the local police zone and state that you believe there was a bias motive. Provide any evidence of slurs or targeted behavior. You can request the incident be flagged as a hate offence, seek protection measures and claim compensation. A lawyer can help you file a criminal complaint and join as a civil party.
Belgium generally recognizes foreign marriages validly performed abroad, subject to public policy limits. Recognition of parentage from foreign birth certificates is possible but can be complex, especially after surrogacy. Courts focus on the child’s best interests and proper documentation. Bring the original documents with translations and legalizations. Get legal advice before traveling or applying for Belgian documents.
Sexual orientation and gender identity can be grounds for refugee status. You will be interviewed by the asylum authority about your story and risks if returned. Credibility and consistent evidence matter, and you should not be required to conceal your identity to be safe. You can get free or subsidized legal assistance and reception while your case is assessed. Tell your lawyer and the authorities if you have specific safety or health needs.
Schools must ensure a safe environment. Report the bullying to the class teacher and the school’s designated contact person, and request a written action plan. Keep a record of incidents. If the response is inadequate, escalate to the school board or the Flemish inspection services. You can seek legal remedies and protective measures if the situation persists.
Unia, the Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities, for anti-discrimination advice and complaints.
Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, for issues related to gender discrimination, gender identity and gender expression.
City of Hasselt Civil Registry - Burgerzaken, for marriage, legal cohabitation, parentage recognition and name or gender marker changes.
Police Zone Limburg Regio Hoofdstad, for reporting hate crime and requesting victim support.
Family Court of the Court of First Instance Limburg - section Hasselt, for adoption, parentage, custody and protection orders.
Balie Limburg, the local Bar Association, to find lawyers with LGBT expertise.
Bureau voor Juridische Bijstand Limburg, for information about pro deo legal aid if you qualify based on income.
Regenbooghuis Limburg in Hasselt, a community hub offering support and referrals.
Çavaria, the Flemish LGBTI umbrella organization providing information and advocacy.
Lumi, the Flemish LGBTI helpline offering confidential support.
Transgender Infopunt, for guidance on transition-related questions and procedures in Flanders.
CAW Limburg, the general welfare center, for psychosocial support and domestic violence assistance.
Clarify your goal. Write down what you need help with - marriage or cohabitation, parentage, adoption, gender marker or name change, discrimination, hate crime, immigration or asylum.
Gather documents. Collect identity documents, residence proof, civil status records, medical or clinic letters for assisted reproduction, foreign certificates with translations and legalizations, employment or housing contracts, and any evidence of discrimination or harassment.
Contact the right office in Hasselt. For civil status matters, reach out to the civil registry. For crimes, contact the police and ask for a bias-motivated report. For school issues, contact the school leadership in writing.
Seek legal advice early. Consult a lawyer experienced in LGBT matters in the Limburg Bar. Ask about timelines, costs and whether you qualify for legal aid. Bring your documents and a timeline of events.
Preserve evidence and meet deadlines. Keep copies of all filings and correspondence. Many procedures have strict time limits for appeals or complaints, so act promptly.
Prioritize safety and well-being. If you face threats or violence, seek immediate protection from the police and victim support services, and consider protective orders from the Family Court.
Follow through and update records. After any court order or civil status change, update your records with the national register, health insurer, employer, school, bank and other services.
Laws and practices can change. Non-binary recognition, conversion practices and cross-border parentage rules are evolving. Verify current requirements with a local lawyer or the relevant authority in Hasselt before you apply.
