In my criteria I have root.get(Signature_.parent).isNotNull() is producing this in the where clause (signature0_.parent is not null or signature0_.request_id is not null) @ManyToOne @JoinColumns ({ @JoinColumn(name = "request_id", referencedColumnName = "request_id", insertable = false, updatable = false), @JoinColumn(name = "parent", referencedColumnName = "id", insertable = false, updatable = false) }) public Signature getParent() using hibernate 5.2.18 -- Jason Pyeron | Architect PD Inc | 10 w 24th St | Baltimore, MD | .mil: jason.j.pyeron.ctr(a)mail.mil .com: jpyeron(a)pdinc.us tel : 202-741-9397