If you are in a situation where you want to get a declaration of parentage because your name is not on your child’s birth certificate, or perhaps you are a child who wants to get a declaration after the death of a parent, you may need to engage the services of a solicitor.
You can of course make the application yourself by approaching the Circuit Court Office or District Court Office. You will be given the appropriate forms, but you will not be assisted to fill them in. This is the point at which you will probably require a solicitor.
Paternity is assumed by law if the parents of the child married. However if they are not, the fathers name must be on the birth certificate for children to get maintenance or inheritance.
A court can order paternity tests and decide who is to pay for the testing as it is not available on the NHS. It may be that the mother is liable for the costs, or the costs are split between both parents.
If you require assistance with any paternity issue, whether you are a mother, father or you are seeking a declaration of parentage as a child, you can contact our team on 0845 548 1007.