UK case law
Pook (Declaration of Parentage), Re
[2015] EWHC FAM 2636 · High Court (Family Division) · 2015
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Full judgment
Mr Justice Peter Jackson:
1. This is an application for a declaration of parentage in relation to Willow Simone Pook, who was born on 7 January 2015.
2. Willow is the second child of Ms Kathryn Fare and the late Mr Simon Nicholas Pook. Mr Pook died suddenly and unexpectedly from an acute infection on 9 January 2015.
3. Willow's paternity, which was not in doubt, has been confirmed by DNA testing.
4. Willow's birth was registered on 20 January 2015. As a result of her father's untimely death, her present birth certificate only bears the name of her mother. Accordingly, Ms Fare seeks a declaration of parentage so that the birth certificate can be completed.
5. The application under section 55 A Family Law Act 1986 was issued on 15 September and placed before me for directions. It is an application that can be dealt with without a formal hearing, but I am giving this judgement so that there is a record in the sad and unusual circumstances of the case.
6. I have considered the terms of the statute. I am satisfied that the court has jurisdiction to make the order sought and that it is in the interests of Willow to do so.
7. I accordingly declare that the late Simon Nicholas Pook was the father of Willow Simone Pook. The Court will notify the Registrar General so that the birth can be re-registered as provided for by Section 14 A Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 .