Parental Responsibility
Just because you're the father doesn't mean you automatically have Parental Responsibility
A father who is not named on the child’s birth certificate does not have parental responsibility. He may obtain parental responsibility for the child in the following ways:
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Jointly registering the birth of the child with the mother
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Being registered on the child’s birth certificate, with the consent of the mother
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By marrying the mother of the child after the child’s birth
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If the father has a Residence Order for the child
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Signing a Parental Responsibility Agreement with the mother
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Applying for and obtaining a Parental Responsibility Order from the family court
For more information on how to obtain Parental Responsibility and how to apply see below
Parental Responsibility Agreements
You might not have to go to Court if you think you can reach an agreement on Parental Responsibility.
If you are a father who wants parental responsibility and the mother agrees, you can fill in a Parental Responsibility Agreement.
You will need to complete the Parental Responsibility Agreement form to the with the Office of Care and Protection at the Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast. Do not sign the form until you attend at the court office as your signature will need to be witnessed by a judge or official. You should also take the child’s birth certificate and proof of your identity, like a passport or driving licence.
The agreement only becomes valid when this has been done. A separate agreement is needed for each child.
You can find a download template for a Parental Responsibility Agreement here
You should refer to the guidance on completing and registering a Parental Responsibility Agreement.