Written Question · S2W-04520 · Session 2
When Scottish fathers will have the same parental rights and responsibilities as unmarried fathers in England, under the Adoption and Child…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish fathers will have the same parental rights and responsibilities as unmarried fathers in England, under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, to jointly register the birth of their child with the mother.
The answer
Unmarried fathers are ableto jointly register the birth of a child with the mother. However, this doesnot automatically give the father parental rights and responsibilities inrelation to the child. These can be secured by marrying the mother, completinga parental responsibilities and parental rights agreement, or through courtaction.
The white paper, Parentsand Children, published in 2000 included a proposal to confer parentalrights and responsibilities on unmarried fathers who jointly register the birthof a child with the child’s mother. This proposal commanded widespread support.
The Executive has made acommitment in the partnership agreement to reform family law for all of Scotland’speople and we will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.
The white paper, Parentsand Children, published in 2000 included a proposal to confer parentalrights and responsibilities on unmarried fathers who jointly register the birthof a child with the child’s mother. This proposal commanded widespread support.
The Executive has made acommitment in the partnership agreement to reform family law for all of Scotland’speople and we will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-04520 by reference.