Petition · Home Office
Always include child's biological father on birth certificate
Closed
88 signatures
What the petition asks
Right now in the UK, a father who is not married to or in a civil partnership with his child's mother cannot be added to his child’s birth certificate without the mother’s agreement — unless he goes through a long, costly court battle.
This means some children are being denied the love, care, and protection of both parents from day one. We are calling for change: if a government-approved DNA test proves paternity, then a father should have the right to be added to the birth certificate and gain automatic parental responsibility — no court needed. Children need both parents. We think the current system fuels conflict, endless family court battles, and the Child Maintenance Service. Let DNA decide, not the courts.
Timeline
| 29 Oct 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 Apr 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
88
Status
Closed
Department
Home Office
Opened
29 Oct 2025
Closed
29 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 14 Aug 2026.