Re J, M & P (Loss of Parental Responsibility) Conjoined Appeals [2026] EWCA Civ 344
Judgment has been handed down in Re J, M & P (Loss of Parental Responsibility) Conjoined Appeals.
The case determined the question as to whether the term ‘father’ within section 2(2)(b) or section 4(1)(a) to (c) Children Act 1989 has to be a genetic parent in order to acquire parental responsibility and whether a non-genetic father acquires PR at all. A further point on appeal was the effect of a declaration of parentage under section 55A Family Law Act 1987 on PR for a person who is declared not to be the father.
Karl Rowley KC appeared for the child in Re M leading Matthew Maynard of St Ives Chambers instructed by Jas Tamber of Anthony Collins.
Lorraine Cavanagh KC with Deirdre Fottrell KC of 4PB lead Lucy Bennett of 1GC for the Intervenor, the Association of Lawyers for Children instructed by Somia Siddiq of ITN Solicitors.
The COA decided that the registration of a person on the birth certificate does not endow that person with the status of fatherhood or parenthood or PR. Unless the registered person is the biological father then he never acquired parental responsibility.
The judgment is available here: Re J, M & P (Loss of Parental Responsibility) Conjoined Appeals [2026] EWCA Civ 344
