This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Changing a birth certificate can be a complex and challenging process, especially when it involves altering the name of a parent. In this article, we will explore the legal perspective on changing a birth certificate and the steps involved in making such a change.
According to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, a child's birth certificate can be changed before the age of two, but after this age, the process becomes more complicated. The Registration of Documents Regulations provides for the use of a Deed Poll to change the name of a child above the age of two, but this process is not without its challenges.
One of the key issues in changing a birth certificate is the removal of a parent's name. The law is not generous in allowing for the deletion or alteration of a parent's name from a birth certificate, and this can make it difficult for individuals to make changes to their birth certificate.
However, there are cases where the court has intervened to allow for changes to be made to a birth certificate. For example, in Civil Case No. 3 of 2014, the High Court allowed a mother to remove her stepfather's name from her child's birth certificate, citing the applicant's right to ask the court for such an order.
Another case, Miscellaneous Case No. 33 of 2019, involved a mother seeking to erase the name of a person erroneously entered onto her child's birth certificate. The court ordered the Registrar General to strike out the name of the deceased grandfather from the birth certificate and to issue a new birth certificate that did not bear the names of the deceased as the father of the child.
For individuals seeking to change their birth certificate, it is essential to understand the law and the process involved. In this article, we will explore the legal perspective on changing a birth certificate and provide guidance on the steps involved in making such a change.
Ultimately, changing a birth certificate can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right guidance and support, it is possible to make the necessary changes and have your birth certificate reflect your true identity.
