Hi Richard, If the parents weren't married to each other, the father's name could only be added to the birth certificate, at registration, if he was present. I believe this still applies today. Many such father's did not admit responsibility, as it meant they would have to support the child. On the other hand, some girls may not have been absolutely certain of the identity of the father. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the father's name could only be added in his absence, if he was married to the mother of the child. As I have these doubts, I ahve also sent to the List, as someone else may have a more definite answer. Sandra ----- Original Message ----- From: "R.M.Adams" <R.M.Adams@open.ac.uk> To: <SUSSEX-PLUS@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: [SXP] Father Absent on Brith Certificate >I have recently received a couple of birth certificates with the > father's name (and thus occupation) absent. > > > > Does this indicate to me, that with older certificates this was common > practice (i.e. it was not that important or required), or that the > father is indeed unknown. > > > > Any advice welcomed. > > > > Thank You, > > > > Richard. > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > SUSSEX-PLUS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.17/1177 - Release Date: > 07/12/2007 13:11 > >

On Fri, 7 Dec 2007 23:31:07 -0000 "Sandra Shelley" <sand.shell@btinternet.com> wrote: Hello Sandra, > If the parents weren't married to each other, the father's name could > only be added to the birth certificate, at registration, if he was > present. I believe this still applies today. Many such father's did You're right, it does still apply. > I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the father's name could only be > added in his absence, if he was married to the mother of the child. Again, you're correct. In the case of a married couple, the husband is automatically assumed to be the father. Similarly, this applies today. -- Regards _ / ) "The blindingly obvious is / _)rad never immediately apparent" It couldn't adapt so it couldn't survive The Great British Mistake - The Adverts