paternity

Posted by matches (40 days ago)

I'm about to give birth as a single mum. The father is in the UK. I'm not from there. Can I force him to prove paternity, and have his name on the birth certificate?

thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by totty chaise (40 days ago)

No.

But you can post his name on the form when you register the birth. They may ask you to take an oath where you swear that you are telling the truth.

Writing his name on the registration form does not mean your child will bear his surname.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by beerboy (40 days ago)

Putting his name on the birth certificate may open you to all sorts of lawsuits so, be careful before deciding on this as if he fights it in the future and proves he is not the father you may be sued for defamation / slander / libel et al. and need to come up with a huge chunk of money.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by totty chaise (40 days ago)

Please read carefully what I wrote: putting his name on the registration form is NOT the same as putting his name on the birth certificate. You can only get his name on the birth certificate if he agrees to it. With other words: he has to explicitly acknowledge the baby as his child.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by beerboy (40 days ago)

the registration form is a legal doc and as such is admissable as evidence in a defamation lawsuit........

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by totty chaise (39 days ago)

If the OP is absolutely positive that this guy is the father, she has nothing to fear from a defamation suit. Let him sue and force him to submit to a test: the truth will be established.

It may also be useful for the OP to make a photo-copy of the registration form and send it to papa in the UK, just to nudge him along a bit.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by matches (34 days ago)

Thanks people,

I'm thinking I may change baby's name by deed pole as I actually don't want him to bear my name.. but doesn't seem much choice for time being.

(I am based in Hong Kong)