CAS or privately, birth certififcate and other qs

My ex-gf would like to claim child support through CAS since she wants to claim benefits and believes that otherwise my private contributions may look like income from other sources and be deducted from benefits. I am not an expert on benefits, but does it make sense?

Another question, I am not on the child birth certificate, the child has her mum's name as the family name. Will it make sense for me to ask to add me as a dad on the child birth certificate? What legal problems may I have otherwise? For example, can her possible new bf then add himself on the birth certificate and thus limit my rights? May they leave the country for a long time without my permission?

Does it make sense to ask to change her last name to mine?

Another question: will the mother be free to have so called foster kids? i.e., without my consent? I may not like some kids being near my daughter.

The reason I am not on the birth certificate is that she originally wanted to claim benefits, but after the birth I decided to live with her and paid for everything. Unfortunately, I have realized I do not love her at all and have recently left. But I adore the daughter, she is so beautiful and she is becomming more and more intelligent. Now she is only one year old, but recognizes me when I visit them on weekends. I did not expect it. My heart is completely torn in these moments.

child maintenance no longer counts as income for benefit purposes. I can appreciate your ex's concern that if a private arrangement is made, it could look like income from another source and affect her benefits. The long and short of it is if she wants to go to the CSA she can, and there's nothing you can do about it. If you do go through the CSA, be aware of your own obligations towards them - particularly around keeping them updated when you changes jobs etc. They are not very efficient and create problems for both 'sides' when it comes to maintenance. Personally, I would try and keep them out of it - you could assure your ex you will make payments into her bank account with the reference 'child maintenance' on them which would help. She could also ask at the Job Centre what 'evidence' would be required and whether this would enough.

I'm afraid I don't know the legalities around the birth certificate but I think it would make sense to get your name on it. If she is asking for maintenance, you're obviously the father so I can't see a court objecting - hopefully someone will be along to help you with that. I think applying for parental responsiblity through the courts is a relatively simple process.

From a name point of view, this is a matter of preference and tradition and won't make a bit of difference. My name is different to my children as I chose not to use my married name. It doesn't concern me at all. It would seem unfair to me to change a child's name at this stage - you were seemingly happy to go along with this at the time.

Regarding being put on the birth cert, this should help, its about adding a father's details to a birth cert:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensa...irthrecord/DG_175620

This is an information page about father's responsibilities and rights, which you don't have at present.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ParentsRights/DG_4002954


Your ex cannot add her boyfriend to her son's birth cert as he is not the biological father.