The statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage form is for unmarried parents where only one can attend a register office, and it must be made before an authorised person.
Key facts
- Who: Parents who have not been in a marriage or civil partnership, where only one parent can attend a register office for the child's birth registration or re-registration
- From: Already in force
- Source: Statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage form
The statutory declaration of acknowledgement of parentage form is completed where a child's parents have not been in a marriage or civil partnership and only one parent can attend a register office. This applies to the child's birth registration or re-registration.
Who can take the declaration
The declaration must be made by one parent only. If it is made in England or Wales, it must be made before one of the following:
- a justice of the peace
- a magistrate
- a commissioner for oaths
- a practising solicitor
- a notary public
- a licensed conveyancer
- an authorised advocate
- an authorised litigator
If it is made outside England and Wales, it must be made before a person who is authorised to administer or attest oaths in that country.
Format
The form is for print only. It may have accessibility issues, for example for people who use assistive technology, and it can be requested in a different format.
What this means for unmarried parents
Where the parents have not been in a marriage or civil partnership and only one of them can attend a register office, the form is completed by one parent only. It must be made before one of the people listed above if it is made in England or Wales.
If the declaration is made outside England and Wales, check that the person taking it is authorised to administer or attest oaths in that country. Anyone unsure whether the form suits their circumstances should get advice before a registration is attempted.