Steps to Re-Register a Child’s Birth Following Marriage or Partnership

Understanding the Application for Re-Registration of a Child’s Birth Following the Marriage or Civil Partnership of the Mother and Second Female Parent

This official form, designated as Form LA186, is issued by The General Register Office, which is part of His Majesty's Passport Office. It is specifically designed for cases where a child's birth needs to be re-registered to reflect the marriage or civil partnership of the mother and a second female parent, under the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. This process is essential for establishing legal recognition of the child's parentage in line with the parents' relationship status.

Presentation and Use Cases

This form is primarily intended for parents who wish to update their child's birth record to show both parents as legal parents following their marriage or civil partnership. The circumstances covered include situations where the child was conceived under specific legal conditions and where the initial birth registration does not yet reflect the current parental relationships. It is suitable for cases where the child was born in England or Wales and the parents seek to formalise the second female parent's legal status as a parent of the child.

Eligibility Conditions

• The child must have been born in England or Wales.
• The child was conceived under the provisions of section 43 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008.
• Either or both parents must be residing in England or Wales at the time of application.
• The application involves a marriage or civil partnership between the mother and the second female parent.

If both parents reside outside England and Wales, and neither can attend a register office in person, alternative procedures are available, but these require additional steps and documentation.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Completing the Form

Gather Required Documentation

• A certified photocopy of the child's full birth certificate. Original documents are not accepted and will not be returned.
• Details of the parents, including full names, dates of birth, occupations, and addresses.
• Information about the marriage or civil partnership, including date and place.
• Any legal documents related to court orders, adoption, or guardianship, if applicable.

Filling Out the Form

1. Complete Section 1 with the child's details, ensuring the surname matches the existing birth registration.
2. Provide details of the second female parent in Section 2, including full name, place of birth, and occupation.
3. Fill in the mother's current details and her marital or civil partnership status in Section 3.
4. Specify the marriage or civil partnership details in Section 4, including date and location.
5. Answer court involvement questions in Section 5, providing relevant documentation if necessary.
6. Select the register office where either parent will attend in Section 6.
7. Provide contact details for both parents in Section 7.
8. Read and sign the Statement of Truth in Section 8, confirming the accuracy of the information provided.

Submission and Post-Application Process

The completed form can be either posted directly to the General Register Office or submitted in person at the relevant local register office. Once received, the GRO will process the application, which involves verifying the documentation and updating the child's birth registration to include the second female parent as a legal parent.

It is important to note that the application process may take some time, and applicants are advised to retain copies of all submitted documents. The GRO may contact applicants for further information or clarification during processing. Upon successful registration, the child's birth certificate will be amended accordingly, providing legal recognition of both parents.

Legal and Privacy Considerations

By submitting the form, the applicant consents to the GRO verifying the information and sharing data with relevant government departments and law enforcement agencies as part of the process. Providing false information may result in legal action. All personal data is handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR regulations, ensuring confidentiality and security.

Conclusion

This application process facilitates the legal recognition of both parents following the marriage or civil partnership of the mother and second female parent. It ensures that the child's birth record accurately reflects their familial relationships, which is essential for legal rights, inheritance, and identity documentation in the UK.