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Hello,

I wonder if anyone could help.
I am a British Citizen and went travelling to Chile in 1999. My son was born while I was out there but I did not register his birth with the British Embassy. We returned to the UK in 2003 and have been here since. Soon after arriving my son's Chilean passport was stamped with the right of abode. I want to register him now and have the mn1 form but as I have had no contact with the father for over 11 years I can only provide his name on the form not his address, any other details or documents.

Does anyone know if this will affect the application?
Are the father's details essential if the nationality is being passed from me?

I would really appreciate any help on this as I would rather know before getting the referees to fill in the form etc.

Thank you

How did you obtain BC? By Birth? Where were you born?

Your child is probably already British. If so there is no requirement to register him after birth and there is no need to register him now. If he is British already, just apply for a passport.

When was your son born?
Are you the mother or father?
Were you married to your son's other parent?

I am the mother and I was born in Switzerland (I am a dual national) and got the BC through my mother through descent. I was told that I will need to register my son as he was also born abroad and I did not register him with the British embassy at the time.

I know my son is eligible but I'm concerned we may not be able to go ahead with the registration as I've had no contact with the father for over 11 years and from what I understand he needs to consent.

I was not married to the father.

Does anyone know who I can contact for advice on this matter?

Please read page 29 of the Guide http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... de_mn1.pdf

As you were not married at the time of birth, your child is "illegitimate" and only the mother needs to consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your prompt response and the link.

The fathers name is on the birth certificate, does that mean I will need his consent?

My son was born in 2001.

See also Children born abroad to parents who are British by descent and who are now living in the United Kingdom - section 3(5) application and Chapter 10: Registration by entitlement of minors born outside the United Kingdom to British citizens by descent and Annex F > "meaning of parent".

No, you don't need his consent as your child was born outside of marriage (i.e. illegitimate) and you and the father never married (i.e. never legitimised the child). You may wish to explain this point in your application as well as state that you have not had any contact with the child's father for 11 years or however long.

P.S. I am really sorry about the terminology. I don't like referring to a child as illegitimate but it's a technical term.

Thank you so much for help. That's fantastic news!

Ps: Oh no offense taken regarding the terminology!