And Baby Makes Four: Dealing With Throuples

And Baby Makes Four: Dealing With Throuples

Accredited Family Law Specialist and Page Provan Director Stephen Page published a paper exploring the difficulty where more than two people seek to have a child about how they will be recognised or not as the child’s parents.

DOWNLOAD THE PAPER HERE.

Introduction

An emerging trend in those who want to become parents are those who seek to be parents where there are more than two intended parents. This issue has been recognised internationally. In Ontario, for example, up to six parents can be, with consent, named on the birth certificate. Australian law has stuck at two parents. The High Court in Masson v Parsons [2019] HCA 212 left open the possibility that more than two parents could be recognised under the Family Law Act.

The evident difficulty is that if the law only recognises two people as the parents, but the child’s reality is that there are three, then what?

I set out below a case example which shows the difficulty where more than two people seek to have a child about how they will be recognised or not as the child’s parents. Cases of multiple parents typically occur in the LGBTIQ+ community.

To learn more, download the paper here.

 

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in our publications. However, information should not be used or relied upon as a substitute for legal advice.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

A Call for National Reform: Stephen Page’s Submission on Surrogacy to the ALRC

Australia’s surrogacy laws remain inconsistent and outdated, varying widely between states and lacking a unified, national approach. In response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review, renowned family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page has submitted a detailed and passionate proposal for reform.

What You Need to Know About Separation & Divorce

Contemplating separation or divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences in life. If you find yourself at this crossroads, it’s vital to approach the situation with foresight and preparation.

Should You Go to Iran for Surrogacy?

When it comes to surrogacy destinations, Iran is probably not the first country that springs to mind. Yet, surprisingly, Iran’s surrogacy laws share some striking similarities with those of California—a state known for its progressive and clear legal framework on assisted reproduction.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board