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I have a problem ,if anyone could help as I feel lost and dont know what to do .
My ex girlfriend and I have a son together ,we lived together for 2 years and my name is on the birth certificate ,just over 3 years ago my ex took my son to south africa ,where she was born, for a 3 month visit to her family ,and there has been very little contact with me and my son .He has been over there now for 3 years .
Now he has just turned 6 and there wanting my consent to change his last name to his mothers ,they say its so that he can go to school over there . I dont want to be selfish and send my son to school to get an education but ,I smell a fish here .
The question I have is that if I give consent do still or am I giving up my rights as his father . I want him back so bad but cant do anything about it .
If anyone could give me some answers I would be so greatfull .
Yours weejoe
I'll ask the CCLC whether it's something they have any knowledge on - keep checking back here at the beginning of January.
Dear Duncanson,
Thank you for your query.
Unfortunately we are not able to advise on matters outside of UK law and as your son is living in South Africa at the moment it would be South African law that applies to whether or not you need to give your consent. It would be advisable for you to speak to an immigration solicitor in your area. You can obtain details of solicitors in your area via the Law Society ( http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/).
You may also wish to contact an organisation called Reunite if you wish to have your son returned to the UK. If you are named on his birth certificate and therefore have Parental Responsibility, his mother cannot take him out of the UK without your consent. If she has taken him without your consent then this may amount to child abduction. Should you wish to contact Reunite you can either visit their website ( http://www.reunite.org/) or telephone them via 01162 556234.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us again. We wish you the best of luck for the future.
Yours sincerely,
Coram Children's Legal Centre
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