Search for content in message boards

Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 23 Jun 2015 7:31PM GMT
Classification: Query
In 1958 when registering a birth, was it required to show proof of marriage when registering a birth?

for example, a baby's birth is recorded and the mother and her maiden name is recorded, then the fathers name is recorded and the baby is given the fathers surname. I have a hunch that the father of the baby was not married to the mother although she states herself as married. Also at that time, would the mothers own date of birth have had to be recorded on the baby's birth cert?

Appreciate your help. Thank you.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 23 Jun 2015 8:24PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 25 Jun 2015 1:42PM GMT
That would depend on where in the world the birth was registered.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 23 Jun 2015 8:32PM GMT
Classification: Query
England.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 23 Jun 2015 9:28PM GMT
Classification: Query
Your points in order
1 No proof of marriage is required
2 the baby is NOT given any surname at all, just the given names are recorded, the surnames of the father (if any) and the mother are recorded, and the usual assumption is that if there is a father's name then the child will use that name. This may or may not be the case.
3 There is nowhere on the certificate that requires the mother to state whether she is married to the father. She is required to give her full name, and any previous surnames (maiden name and any other names that she has been known by) BUT she can use the father's surname without having gone through any ceremony or registration.
4 The mother's date of birth will not appear on the certificate.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 24 Jun 2015 1:07AM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 25 Jun 2015 1:43PM GMT
There is an excellent BMD tutorial here: http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/indexbd.htm

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 24 Jun 2015 6:05AM GMT
Classification: Query
They are very interesting points, thank you. And contrary to the information I have been given. I nee to see the actual birth certificate myself to see what it says exactly rather than go by word of its contents. Thank you greatly.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 25 Jun 2015 12:33PM GMT
Classification: Query
Whilst robmoff is correct that in saying that "There is nowhere on the certificate that requires the mother to state whether she is married to the father" - that question is asked by the registrar and giving incorrect information is a specific offence of perjury.

The format of the certificate and the details entered make it clear whether the registration was one in which the parent(s) claimed to be married.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 25 Jun 2015 1:38PM GMT
Classification: Query
Thank you. But I'm presuming the mother can say she is married but technically not to the actual man listed as the father on the cert.

Re: Birth Cert: Married parents - did they need show marriage proof?

Posted: 25 Jun 2015 2:00PM GMT
Classification: Query
She can say whatever she likes, she isn't required to prove anything - but the question which should be asked is "are you married to the father of the child"

I have worked as a registrar ( and genealogist) - if you want me to look at the certificate I'd be happy to.
per page

Find a board about a specific topic