ZC02/25 - [2025] EWHC 1268 (Fam)

Factual background

L was born as a result of artificial insemination in 2007. The applicant and the mother began a relationship in 2005. They separated after a year or so, but then met again in 2008 after L was born. They recommenced their relationship and were engaged to be married. Their romantic relationship did not last and, as such, they separated in 2009, but they live close to each other and remain good friends. Neither of them has had another partner.

When the applicant and the mother met again in 2008, the applicant took on the role of a father to L, who was six months old at the time. They have co-parented L ever since, having houses only 10 minutes or so away from each other. The applicant spent regular time with L, collecting from the childminder, doing activities, helping him with school work, attending school meetings. They spent most weekends together as a family, having meals together and going out. L has called the applicant dad from a very early age. The mother moved house at one point, and so the applicant moved as well so they could continue the arrangement. L has a bedroom at the applicant’s house although he does not stay there overnight now, preferring to use his bedroom at his mother’s house. The applicant has shared decisions about L’s education and attended parent teacher meetings. L and the applicant have also gone on holiday together over the years, most recently in Canada. In 2016, the applicant submitted an application for a child arrangements order by consent so that his parental responsibility could be recognised (and a separate order for parental responsibility was made). At the time he was advised that he could not apply for an adoption order.

More recently, the applicant was advised that he could apply for an adoption order so this application was issued on 23^rd December 2024.