Contesting Birth Certificate

[JamesC27]

I am the father of my child but not named on the birth certificate for unknown reasons or stupi reasons from the mother.

A DNA test proved I am the father but how do I get my name on the birth certificate? My role as a father should involve me in the parental rights of my child alongside the mother surely?

[mycats]

You cant change a birth certificate once it has been issued. It doesnt make any differnce to your parental rights, whether you are on it or not.

[JamesC27]

thanks mycats. I'm a little confused in your claim that the BC can't be changed. There have been a number of cases I've seen where the mother has made an appointment to add the father on at a later date. However my scenario is that the mother WONT put me on.

Do I still have parental rights then without being on the BC?

[mycats]

If you arent married you will have to go to court to get PR (I think) but she cant stop you seeing your child, good luck x

[Pippa68]

mycats is correct ~ you do not need to be on the birth certificate to obtain parental responsibility.

How old is your child? from December 2003 parental responsibility became automatic for unmarried fathers. If the mother was so unwilling to put your name on the birth certificate (you would have to be present for his if unmarried) then you may have to go to court to sort out contact arrangements etc.

Do you pay maintenance to your ex for you child? in any case, the court is the best place to start if the mother is unwilling to come to an arrangement.

[Miss Zippy]

Some of the answers on here are incorrect I'm afraid. Although the law did change in December 2003 to make it easier for unmarried fathers to gain Parental Rights ("PR"), such rights are not 'automatic'. As far as children born after 1 Dec 2003 are concerned, to acquire PR, a father must either (i) be named on the birth certificate (ii) marry the mother or (iii) obtain a PR order through the courts. For children born before 1 December 2003, an unmarried father could not acquire PR simply by being named on the birth certificate: he could only acquire PR by either obtaining a PR order through the courts or marrying the mother. Assuming that marrying your ex is out of the question, the options open to you are (i) obtain a PR order or (ii) get the birth re-registered (yes, a birth can be re-registered) with you named as the father, but you will need the mother's cooperation to do this.

[Miss Zippy]

Just to clarify my answer, you can only acquire PR by re-registering your child's birth with you named as the father if your child was born after 1 Dec 2003. If born before, your only option is obtaining a PR order.

[Annielappo]

Your childs mother might change her mind years down the line as the child gets older she might consider the fact that the fathers name has been left blank and might consider adding your name. All you can do for now is have a good relationship with the child. I know it isnt fair when fathers do not get the rights they think they deserve. You sound like a good man and i wish you all the best for the future. xx

[JamesC27]

Just wanted to say many thanks for the feedback you have given me. It's been most helpful.

I just hope I do get to see my little girl as much as possible

Thank you and take care

[Nannyzach]

My stepson recently found out that he was a dad and went through the courts and he did get his name on the birth certificate. It was a long process, but with a good attorney it can be done. If she is not claiming you as the father, you surely don't have to pay her anything, do you??

[Nannyzach]

My two daughters were adopted by my current husband and their birth certificates now show him as the father, not their biological father, so for my cats, yes the birth certificate can be changed!