In order for the new baby to be legally recognised as your child, within 30 days of having your baby, you MUST send a photocopy of the “attestation of birth” and the “declaration of birth” to the Registrar of Civil Status. If you do not, you could encounter serious difficulties if ever a situation arises where you need to legally prove that the child is yours.
The attestation of birth ( a document that declares that the birth actually happened) is completed and signed by the physician at the time of the birth of the child at the hospital.
The declaration of birth is completed and signed by the mother, or father, or both, before a witness who also signs it.
! If the mother and father are not married, they must BOTH sign the declaration if they want to establish their paternity over the child.
As a parent:
There is always an obligation on all parents to look after their children, even if the child is born out of wedlock, the parents have separated, etc. This obligation of support lasts throughout the life of the child. Even an adult child, if in need, can claim support from its parents.
The father and mother have control of the child’s:
- Custody
- Supervision
- Education
The parents must take into consideration the moral, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of the child, always acting in the child’s best interest. A parent who does not take on all of these responsibilities may, if it is in the best interest of the child, be deprived of his/her parental authority by the court.
Articles 32-34, 513,514, 522, 599 and 600 of the Civil Code of Quebec
What are my child’s legal obligations?
When children grow up, they owe their parents support if their parents are in need.
Every child, regardless of age owes respect to their mother and father.
Children remain subject to parental authority until they reach majority age (18 years in Quebec).
Articles 153, 597, and 598 of the Civil Code of Quebec
Yes. Adoption is allowed in Quebec so long as it is in the best interest of the child, and keeping in consideration of the other provisions provided by law. You should speak with a layer for further information – see “Info & Help” for further information. For more information, please see http://www.educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/adopting-child-quebec.