Family Law Myth 8: I am not married, but I am named as the father on my child's birth certificate so I have parental responsibility
MYTH: I am not married, but I am named as the father on my child's birth certificate so I have parental responsibility
REALITY: If your child was born before 1st December 2003, and you did not marry the mother, then you do not automatically have parental responsibility, even if your name is on the birth certificate. You must apply to the Court to acquire this legal status, or enter into a Parental Responsibility Agreement with the mother.
For all children born after 1st December 2003, unmarried fathers automatically have parental responsibility if they are named on the birth certificate.
For more information or advice, please get in touch with the Family team.
These notes have been prepared for the purpose of articles only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice
