Registering a birth
All births must be registered within 42 days of the baby's birth.
Births must be registered where the baby was born. If the baby was not born in Stockport, you should contact the register office where the baby was born to register the birth. Visit GOV.UK to find the correct register office.
If the baby's parents were married to each other or in a civil partnership at the time of baby’s birth, either parent can register the birth.
If the baby's parents were not married each other or in a civil partnership at the time of baby’s birth, the baby's mother must register the birth. If the second parent wishes to be on the register, they must also attend the appointment. If this is not possible, contact Stockport Register Office for more information.
The law allows unmarried parents to have equal parental responsibility. All you need to do is register your baby’s birth together.
Same sex female couples
If the mother is married to or in a civil partnership with a woman at the time of the treatment, the woman’s spouse or civil partner will be regarded as the second female parent, unless it is shown that she did not consent to the treatment or a separation order was in force.
If the mother is not married or in a civil partnership, for her female partner to be regarded as the second female parent the treatment must have taken place at a UK licensed clinic and written consent provided by the mother and her female partner, a parental agreement, and that consent has not been withdrawn.
Where the mother and the second female parent who have a parental agreement in place marry or form a civil partnership with each other after the treatment but before the child is born, the birth can be registered as a child of the marriage or civil partnership.
If your baby was born outside Stockport
Births must be registered in the district where the baby was born. We won’t be able to register the birth for you here. Visit GOV.UK to find details of Register Offices.
It may be possible to give the details of the birth at your local Register Office by making a declaration. This is sent to the district of birth for them to complete the registration. No birth certificates can be issued at a declaration appointment, these must be ordered from the authority where the birth occurred, so you may experience a delay.
If you're a Stockport resident and wish to make a declaration in relation to a baby born in another district, please email us at register.office@stockport.gov.uk.
Registering a stillbirth
You can get advice about registering a stillbirth in England and Wales from your local Register Office. If the stillbirth occurred in Stockport, contact the Register Office on 0161 217 6007.