Who can register a birth or a stillbirth?

If the baby’s parents are married, either the mother or the father can register the birth or the stillbirth.

If the baby’s parents are not married and both parents want the father’s name in the register, they must normally go to the register office together.

If an unmarried mother goes to the register office alone, and both parents want the father’s name in the register, she must give the registrar a declaration, signed by the father in front of a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public, confirming that he is the father. Contact  the register office for the name of a local Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public.

If an unmarried father goes to the register office alone, and both parents want his name in the register, he must give the registrar a declaration, signed by the mother in front of a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public, confirming that he is the father. If the mother cannot leave the hospital and the time limit for registration is approaching, contact the local register office for advice. (Please note that these regulations may  change some time in 2011.)