Fathers rights

[Robert55]

i have just split up with my pregnant girlfriend, she said when the baby is born she will not allow me to see it. Can she do this?

[Whickerman]

she can if you allow it.

Go asap to your local citizen's advice and get proper legal advice. You will need to assert your paternal rights under UK law.

[Ethel]

You must ensure your name is on the birth certificate - this will automatically give you Parental Responsibility so you have a say in your child's upbringing.

If the mother refuses to put your name on the birth certificate you can get a court order. It is only in very rare circumstances the order is refused.

In the meantime, be prepared to financially support your child. If the mother refuses money, open a separate bank account and deposit money every month in to that. Keep a record of all money paid in, and how any withdrawals are spent.

If the mother refuses to let you see the child, a court order will give you contact righs. Once again it is very rare for this to be refused. Without pressuring the mother, get your parents onside and involved - they are grandparents, after all.

[bobbybob]

We had to do this when my Husband split from his partner. It was a long process but we did eventually got a court order. It did cost us �6k though, so be prepared.