Parental Responsibility

A Declaration of Parentage is when the court decides who the father of a baby is.

 

You don’t need to do anything to change the birth record if there’s been a Declaration of Parentage made by a court.

 

The court will tell the General Register Office and the birth will be re-registered.

 

You’ll need to order a new birth certificate if you want one.

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Fill in a form for Lisa to contact you or book an hour initial appointment with Lisa - it's free with no obligation.

There can be many reasons why a parental responsibility order is wanted.

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You need to be connected to the child, for example as their father, step-parent or 2nd female parent.

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More than 2 people can have parental responsibility for the same child.

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If all parents agree a consent order can be applied for.

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If a father wants parental responsibility and the mother does not agree, the father would have to apply to the court.

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Fill in a form for Lisa to contact you or book an hour initial appointment with Lisa - it's free with no obligation.

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If you’re a father who wants parental responsibility and the mother agrees then you can have a parental responsibility agreement

 

Fill in a form for Lisa to contact you or book an hour initial appointment with Lisa - it's free with no obligation..

Another option to gain parental responsibility is to adopt the child.

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This may be particularly suitable for a very young child. 

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Both birth parents normally have to agree (consent) to the adoption, unless:

• they cannot be found

• they’re incapable of giving consent, for example due to a mental disability

• the child would be put at risk if they were not adopted

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Fill in a form for Lisa to contact you or book an hour initial appointment with Lisa - it's free with no obligation.