From 'bastard' to equal child: the law on children born outside marriage
In short
Largely, yes. The Family Law Reform Act 1987 sets the general principle that family relationships in England and Wales are read without regard to whether a child's parents were married, and it abolished affiliation proceedings. The Legitimacy Act 1926 had already allowed legitimation by the parents' later marriage. In 2022, 51.4% of births were outside marriage.
What the full article will cover
- What did 'illegitimacy' mean in English law?
- What did the Legitimacy Act 1926 change?
- How did the Family Law Reform Act 1987 remove the distinction?
- Are any differences left today?
- How common are births outside marriage now?
Frequently asked questions
- Does an unmarried father have parental responsibility?
- Can a child born outside marriage inherit from both parents?
- Are hereditary titles still restricted to children of married parents?
- Is the word 'illegitimate' still used in UK law?
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1987/42/section/1
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1987/42/contents
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/16-17/60/contents
- ons.gov.uk — https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths/bulletins/birthcharacteristicsinenglandandwales/2022
General information, not legal or religious advice.