What rights does he have if his names on the birth certificate?

[Lwatkins]

Just a quick few questions that need answering! Am having a bit of a debate with myself at the mo. Am currently pregnant by my ex boyfriend who I split up with in August. I haven't heard from him in months so currently don't know if he's wanting contact when the baby is born. She is due at the end of May.

Now I know that if he wants his name on the certificate he has to be there to register as well. BUT, what I'm wondering is - if his name does go on the birth certificate does this mean he has equal rights to me? We were never married or anything and the baby will be taking my surname. Suppose am just neeing a few points on the pro's and con's of having his name on the certificate as although this might sound selfish of me, I'm not sure how comfortable I feel with giving him equal rights when his interest has been well, non existant. I don't know if I'm making sense, but any info would be welcome

I personally would not risk putting his name on the BC. He can still be a father without a piece of paper to prove it and if he proves himself over the years then you can consider putting it on there.

I never put my sons fathers name on (he wasnt around) and I spent the best of five years trying to get him involved but he didnt want to know. Then this year (hes 10 now) CSA catch up with him (hes never paid a penny) and hes demanding all sorts of rights in exchange for £30 per week! I told him to take his money and take a running jump. My child is not for sale!!

Luckily, given the circs, I can do that. My sister thought shed be liberal and not only have the father on the bc but give her son his fathers last name (different to hers) and now things have turned nasty and I don't like her chances of getting what she wants in court!

If his name is on the birth certificate, he will have joint and equal parental responsibility. You cannot reverse this. However, if you register the baby on your own, you may at any point in time in the future decide to add his name (if he also so wishes).

Since the father hasn't been there for you and the baby during pregnancy, in your position I would hedge your bets on him being there in the future and register the baby in your name only. Plenty of time to change things when the father has proven himself.