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.