What is a Statutory Declaration of Acknowledgement of Parentage?
A Statutory Declaration of Acknowledgement of Parentage (Stat Dec) is a legal form used by the unmarried parents of a child. It is filled in by a parent who cannot attend the register office to either . . .
- register the birth of their child, or
- re-register the birth at a later date
. . . but who wants their details entering into the birth record. It must be produced at the time of registration or re-registration by the 'other' attending parent.
It can be obtained from any register office in England and Wales or you can print one out here
Form16 - Stat Dec Acknowledgement of Parentage.
The Stat Dec must be witnessed before one of the following people:
- A Justice of the Peace
- A Magistrate
- A Commissioner for Oaths
- A practising Solicitor
- A Notary Public
- A Licensed Conveyancer
- An authorised Advocate or an authorised Litigator
- Any officer holding rank not below that of Lieutenant Commander, Major or Squadron Leader may attest the declaration if you are serving in the Armed Forces in a foreign country
- Certain British Consular Officers can witness the declaration if you are in a foreign country
- A Prison Governor may sign, but only if qualified in one of the above capacities.
Please note: some of the above may charge a fee for their service.
If you are an unmarried parent who cannot attend the birth registration or re-registration, contact the Register Office on 01253 477 177 who will advise you.