Parents married to each other
If married to each other at the time of the birth, or conception, either can register.
Parents not married to each other
If not married to each other, the simplest way is for both parents to attend to register together. If this is not possible, there are three ways the father's details can be registered:
- The father completes a declaration form confirming he is the father, which the mother gives to the register office.*
- The mother completes a declaration form confirming the father's details. the father can then register the birth at the register office alone.*
- In some cases a court order will be made naming the father. Note: In this case, the mother can register the birth alone, but please contact: Calderdale Register Office first.
*Note: For 1 and 2, the declaration must be made, by one parent only, before either a:
- Justice of the peace.
- Magistrate.
- Commissioner for oaths.
- Practising solicitor.
- Notary public.
- Licensed conveyancer.
- Authorised advocate.
- Authorised litigator.
Copies of the declaration form are available from any Register Office.
Other people who may register births
In extreme cases, where neither parent can register a birth, contact: Calderdale Register Office for more advice.