Named at birth
Question
im not going to be named as the father of my yet to be born baby ,how do i get my name on the birth certificate?
Answer
If you're not married the name and details of the father may only be registered in the following circumstances:
- at the joint request of the mother and the father, (in which case both must sign the register);
- at the request of either the mother or the father, on the production of a statutory declaration of paternity and the mother's acknowledgement of it;
- at the request of the mother or father, on production of a parental responsibility agreement together with a declaration that it has not been terminated;
- at the request of the mother or the father, on the production of an order giving the father parental responsibility, an order for the father to maintain the child, or an order giving the father parental rights and duties or custody, care or control, details of acceptable court orders are available from the General Register Office.
If your name is not registered at birth it can be done later under the same conditions as above, but if the child is over 16 their consent will be required.
Registering the name of a child's father can have important legal ramifications in various situations, for example:
- it can serve as evidence of paternity in disputed maintenance proceedings;
- it can assist the father if he wishes to apply for a parental responsibility, residence or contact order;
- From 1 December 2003, an unmarried father who jointly registers or re-registers a child's name with the child's mother will automatically acquire parental responsibility for that child;
- it is evidence of the child's right to inherit from their father.
There are obviously advantages in registering your name as the father, if you would like more help or information contact your local CAB.
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