England & Wales · 1987
Family Law Reform Act 1987
Protects: Children born to unmarried parents.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Abolished the legal status of illegitimacy. Sets out the principle that the relationship of a parent to a child is the same whether or not the parents are married — though this does not, by itself, give an unmarried father PR (which is governed by s.4 Children Act 1989).
Key provisions
s.1 — General principle
References to a relationship between two persons are to be construed without regard to whether the parents have ever been married.
ss.20-22 — Scientific tests
Court can direct the use of scientific (DNA) tests to determine paternity. Sample from a person under 16 requires consent of person with care, or court direction in the child's best interests (s.21(3)).
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
Equal status of children
s.1Decision point: relationships construed without regard to whether parents married — but does not, by itself, confer PR on unmarried father.
DNA / paternity testing directions
ss.20–22, s.21(3)Decision point: court may direct DNA tests. Sample from child under 16 needs consent of person with care OR court direction in the child's best interests — sole route where a perpetrator demands testing years into non-payment as litigation abuse.