What is a Declaration of Parentage?

A Declaration of Parentage is a declaration that establishes or clarifies whether an individual is a parent of a child, and is used where paternity is disputed. The application is made under Section 55A of the Family Law Act 1986. Obtaining a Declaration can result in a correction or update of information to the child’s birth certificate, such as adding a father’s name, when previously it had been omitted.

The court can also make a Declaration of Non-Parentage, stating someone is not the parent. A Declaration only confirms parentage, it does not grant Parental Responsibility. Additional steps are required to obtain this, such as applying for a Parental Responsibility order or entering into an agreement with the child’s other parent.