Unmarried Parents
There is a growing number in unmarried Parents with children. This can lead to problems for some in split up. Unmarried couples don’t have the same legal status as married couples do. Many unmarried couples find it difficult to understand what their rights are.
Here are just a few facts for you to digest
Your responsibilities as parents
It is your legal right to have a say in the way your child is being brought up. If the father of the child is not registered on the birth certificate he may choose not to pay any maintenance if you separate or split. The father of the child only has automatic responsibilities if he his included in the child’s birth certificate since 1st December 2003 (fact).
The father can gain his responsibilities by marrying the mother, by making a Parental Responsibility agreement with the mother of his child and registering the written content with a court and if she refuses the father can apply to a court, to gain his access rights or involvement in the child or children’s future.
If You Separate or split
It is very important you understand that in a split or separation which ever of you decides to break up, “you will not be entitle to pay maintenance under the current law for their benefit as you are not married. The none resident will have to pay child support (fact). some of you might not know this.
For an unmarried mother things could be more difficult financially if left alone to raise the kids or children (fact).
If One Of You Die
You must make a will if you and your partner are not married. If you don’t the children will be entitled to the share of their father’s estate or wealth. Excluding the mother. (fact).
Did you know that many pension schemes will not pay a survivor’s benefits to a surviving unmarried partner even if you have kids together – be sure to check the small prints.
