New Regulations allowing mothers of IVF babies to choose second parent to be named on birth certificate

From April 2009, mothers of babies conceived via donor sperm and IVF will be able to choose who can be named as the father/second parent on their babies’ birth certificates. Providing the person is not a blood relative and consents to being named, it could be a long term partner or best friend.

However, the second parent must be chosen carefully. The second parent will have important responsibilities and duties, including giving consent to the mother moving abroad or consent if the mother wishes to change the child’s name. The second parent could be exposed to claims for child maintenance from the Child Support Agency (due to be replaced by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission). The second parent needs to ensure that they have fully considered the consequences of having their name on the birth certificate.

If you have any queries about parental responsibility, please contact James Haworth on 0116 212 1080 now or complete one of the on-line forms.