Can I revoke Parental Responsibility???

[Jaysmummy]

I don't really know where to post this, so I'll see how I get on here

Basically my DD was born in 2005, her Dad got sent to prison in late 2006 and released early 2009. Since then he has made the effort to see her..........TWICE!!!!! The last time which was about 4 months ago, after leaving a gap of 2years, I told him this was his last chance and to make the effort to see her every weekend. He saw her once and I've heard nothing from him since so.....

His name is on her Birth Certificate and she has his Surname. Is there anyone I can revoke his Parental Responsibility?? As I don't see why he should get a say in anything

Also is there anything I can do if, god forbid, anything should happen to me, to stop her going to him? I would rather she went to my Mum. She doesn't know him at all. Do I have any rights to do this?

Any advice appreciated as I really don't have a clue where to start

xx

 

[Laura2919]

I think there has to be no contact for 2 years (I could be wrong) but my friend is going through the same thing, her daughters dad hasnt been around for the past 3 years and she is currently pregnant with her partners child so when this baby is born they would like the older daughter to have his surname also.
I'm not sure how you go about the BC but I know you can change her name regardless as long as you wasnt married. (again could be wrong but my other friend is looking into this)

The girls have their dads surname but he is a part of their lives and has them every other weekend and one day during the week.

 

[Lu28]

If a father has parental responsibility, only a court can remove it. It doesn't necessarily say that he's going to have a say in every decision though, he only needs to be informed of important ones eg big schooling decisions, leaving the country, religious issues etc. If you know where he is, I would just write to him if you're worried informing him or what you're doing. If you don't think he's bothered anyway, to be perfectly honest, I'd get on with life and forget about him, chances are he'll never know what you're up to anyway.

With the name, you could change the surname by deed poll but they do generally require either his written permission or some proof of you trying to find him and get permission but not managing to contact him. If you give them a call, they'll give you more information about what they need. If he did object, you would take him to court and apply for a specific issues order to change the name and explain all your reasons why. Courts generally speaking don't like to change a child's surname as it can be the only link they have to their fathers but exceptions are made, especially where the father hasn't been involved, has no relationship with the child, is making no effort etc.

I hope that helps a bit xxx

 

[kelzyboo]

If you see a solicitor you can make a will stating your wishes for your child should anything happen to you, name your mother as chosen guardian for your child and state that there has been little/no contact from her father. There aren't many courts that would go against that should he decide to fight, he may get access but she'd stay with the consistant person in her life x