How reliable is the term 'Reputed Father'?.....

[Dennis]

When they also include a name?

dennis

[DavidWW]

When they also include a name?

dennis

Only as reliable as the adjective i.e. that, or the alternative, alleged, say it all. For a marriage or a death register entry, the registrar had no power to require proof of the allegation, - it would help to persuade the registrar if the person in question used the reputed father's surname.

A birth register entry was different. A father's name could only appear on a birth register for an illegimate child if he was also present at the act of registration and signed the register.

The assumption in Scots law is that the the father of any child born in wedlock is the father. You will occasionally come across a situation where another man is involved, along with the wording after the wife's name, such as Jane SMITH MS BROWN, wife of John BROWN with whom she declares that she has had no contact in the last 7 years ..........

Davie

[Dennis]

Davie. Thank you for the reply. In this case the child was given the mother's surname. I don't know how the 'reputed father' felt about his name also being on there.


dennis

[DavidWW]

Davie. Thank you for the reply. In this case the child was given the mother's surname. I don't know how the 'reputed father' felt about his name also being on there.
dennis

He wouldn't have had the chance to be part of the registration process

Davie