birth registration

[larkspur]

Could someone please tell me? A birth registered in Queensland in 1979 an illegitimate child. Would the mother have been able to enter the birth fathers name even though he was not present at the time? Thankyou

[CaroleW]

I don't think any country allows it without the father being present at the registration & signing the register.

Otherwise it would mean a mother could put any name they liked as the father of the child

[judb]

Law (latest 2003) regarding current birth registration in Queensland - don't know if it was the same prior to 2003
 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/2017-11-25/act-2003-031

Both parents should sign the application -
(2)However, the registrar may accept an application completed by only 1 of the parents if the registrar is satisfied—
(a)the applicant is unable or unwilling to give information as to the other parent’s identity or whereabouts; or
Examples—

1The applicant does not know the father’s identity.
2The applicant does not know the other parent’s whereabouts.
(b)the other parent is unable, unlikely or unwilling to sign the application; or
Examples—

1The other parent is dead.
2The other parent can not be located.
(c)the requirement under subsection (1)(a) for the other parent to apply to register the birth would cause the applicant unnecessary distress.
Examples—

1The applicant is too frightened to contact the other parent because of a domestic violence situation.
2Contact between the applicant and the other parent would breach a domestic violence order.


Judith

[larkspur]

Thank you for the replies.