Registration where the father dies before a child is conceived

Where a child is conceived as a result of fertility treatment after the death of the man receiving treatment with the mother, the man can be registered as the child's father on production of the following evidence:

  • his written consent to the fertility treatment and to being named as the father (not needed where the man died before 18 September 2003)
  • written confirmation from the clinic that the man's consent had not been withdrawn (not needed where the man died before 18 September 2003)
    the woman's written request for the man to be named as the father in the birth registration
  • written confirmation of the fertility treatment from a medical source, for example, the treatment clinic, mother's own doctor or hospital doctor
  • the man's death certificate (original only). If he died in England or Wales, details of where and when will be enough.
  • a marriage certificate where applicable (original only). If the marriage took place in England or Wales, details of where and when will be enough.

Recording the man as a child's father in these circumstances does not mean he will be treated in law as the child's father for any purpose other than registration. Nor does it give the child any legal status or rights concerning, for example, inheritance or nationality. If you would like further information, you should get legal advice.

Register office

Telephone: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm. Building opening times: 9.00am - 4.30pm Mondays and Wednesdays, 10.00am - 4.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.00am - 4.00pm Fridays.

Address: Cheylesmore Manor House
Manor House Drive
Coventry
CV1 2ND

Telephone: 024 7683 3141