Fathers right to sign birth certificate

[Jessica1320]

My brother inlaw is 16 yrs old and he just became a father 1 week before his 17th birth day. Now he wants to sign his sons birth certificate and give him his last name but the babys mother who is also a minor doesnt want him to. Her parents told her that they dont want the baby to have his name or for him to sign the birth certificate. so of course she will do as "mommy says" My question is can he still sign for his son or can the mother actually take that right away from him?

[rosie posie]

hello,im not sure about the rights to him signing the birth certificate,he probably could do that ,but im afraid because ther not married i think the mother has more rights to choose the babys last name...how ever im not an expert so im not sure. maybe they could comprimise an have both last names.they dont sound very nice parents,, but tell him to keep his cool over the situation dont give them any excuse to be awkward .tell him to go to citizens advise and they should know something on the matter,or ask his lawyer ,,if he has one..

[nickynoonoo]

hi coz there not marred she can go and put baby in her name i put my son in my name when he was born as i had split with his dad even 2 have his name put on the certificate as his dad he needs 2 be with her when she goes .Aso i would do as rosie said and ring citizens advise or go see a solicitor .

[yummymum]

Why doesnt he sugggest that the baby as her last name but he is still on the certificate, surely she will want the baby to grow up knowing who the dad is...

[froggequene]

Speak to the Registrar or his/her office, it's their job to register the birth they should know the legal in & outs of who can & cannot sign a child's birth certificate. It's sounds like the mother is under a tremendous amount of pressure from both sides so I wouldn't push the issue of surnames but you could suggest a double barreled surname.

[chonge70]

speakin from experience if the father is not on birth certificate then he will have no parental rights over his child, and to get any he would have 2 adopt his own child. my advice would be to get it signed.