1. I’ve just found out I’m pregnant and don’t know what to do.

Contact one of the publicly funded pregnancy counselling agencies who will talk to you about your options. See Publicly funded crisis pregnancy counselling agencies in the Information Pack.. Also, see www.positiveoptions.ie .

2. Does putting the fathers name on the birth cert give him any rights in respect of his child?

No. Having the father’s name on the birth cert does not give him any guardianship rights in respect of his child. Download Information Leaflets nos. 3 and 4 in PDF format (156 KB) on Guardianship  and Custody and Access. Download Information Leaflet no.10 in PDF format (184 KB) on Birth Registration for Unmarried Parents .

3. As an unmarried father how much maintenance will I be expected to pay?

An unmarried father has no responsibility to maintain the mother of his child. He does have a responsibility to maintain his child. There is no fixed amount of maintenance. The only guideline available is that €150 is the most a father can be asked to pay per week per child in the local district court. There is no maximum amount in the circuit court. See Information Leaflet no. 7 in PDF format (160 KB) on Maintenance . See also a brief chart to help you work out maintenance payments.

4. Do I have to get the father’s permission to get a passport? We are not married to each other.

This depends on whether he is a joint guardian or not. If he is a guardian his signature is required. If he is not a guardian, his signature is not required. Download Information Leaflet no. 9 in PDF format (132 KB) on Passport Applications .

5. My child’s father keeps in touch only rarely. Would it be better if he didn’t visit at all?

The research shows that children appreciate any contact with both parents, no matter how little. However, it is best if contact can take place in an atmosphere where there is no conflict. Download Information Leaflet no. 5 in PDF format (104 KB) on Shared Parenting . See Family Links in our 'Publications' section for more detailed information.

6. My child’s father is not paying any maintenance so I don’t think he should see his child. Is this right?

A father and child’s right and need to keep in touch do not depend on whether the father is paying maintenance or not. It is good for children to be in touch with both parents and it is good for children if both parents maintain and support them. However, one does not depend on the other. Download Information Leaflet no. 5 in PDF format (104 KB) on Shared Parenting. See Family Links in our 'Publications' section for more detailed information.

7. Where can I get a paternity test done?

Contact one of the agencies listed in Establishing Paternity .

8. My child’s mother won’t let me see him since she got a new boyfriend. What can I do?

It is important for your child that you keep in touch so first of all see if you can sort it out between both of you as parents. If that fails maybe mediation may help. If all else fails you can go to court to apply for access to your child. Read Access leaflet.  See list of Family Mediation Centres or the Mediators Institute of Ireland.  See Taking the Stand — a guide for unmarried parents resolving disputes regarding care of their children (56 pages).

9. If the father’s name is on the birth cert will it affect my One-Parent Family Payment?

No. Whether or not the father’s name is on the birth cert you will be asked to try and get maintenance from him in respect of his child. Read section on Money if you are not working in the Information Pack.

10. As an unmarried father how can I put my name on my child’s birth cert as the mother doesn’t want me to?

You must have a court order to do this. Download Information Leaflet no. 10 in PDF format (184 KB) on Birth Registration for Unmarried Parents.

11. Will I lose my One-Parent Family Payment if the father pays maintenance?

No. Half of what the father pays will be deducted from your Allowance. Read section on Money if you are not working in the Information Pack.

12. How much can I earn before my One-Parent Family Payment is reduced?

€146.50 per week is totally ignored. About half of the remainder of your wages up to €425 per week is also ignored. See section on Money if you are not working in the Information Pack.

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