IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
Before :
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE PETER JACKSON
Sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice
In the matter of an application concerning
Willow Simone Pook (a child)
Amy Fielding (Stewarts Law LLP) for the Applicant Kathryn Fare
JUDGMENT
Re Pook (Declaration of Parentage)
Mr Justice Peter Jackson:
This is an application for a declaration of parentage in relation to Willow Simone Pook, who was born on 7 January 2015.
Willow is the second child of Ms Kathryn Fare and the late Mr Simon Nicholas Pook. Mr Pook died suddenly and unexpectedly from an acute infection on 9 January 2015.
Willow's paternity, which was not in doubt, has been confirmed by DNA testing.
Willow's birth was registered on 20 January 2015. As a result of her father's untimely death, her present birth certificate only bears the name of her mother. Accordingly, Ms Fare seeks a declaration of parentage so that the birth certificate can be completed.
The application under section 55A Family Law Act 1986 was issued on 15 September and placed before me for directions. It is an application that can be dealt with without a formal hearing, but I am giving this judgement so that there is a record in the sad and unusual circumstances of the case.
I have considered the terms of the statute. I am satisfied that the court has jurisdiction to make the order sought and that it is in the interests of Willow to do so.
I accordingly declare that the late Simon Nicholas Pook was the father of Willow Simone Pook. The Court will notify the Registrar General so that the birth can be re-registered as provided for by Section 14A Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.