Carrick dad's book explores family law

Stephen Bailie released Through a Father’s Eyes in e-book and paperback format earlier his year.

“The book explores family law and its inequalities in Northern Ireland and the UK, as well as the inequalities within the maintenance system,” explained the dad of two.

In the UK, a mother automatically has parental responsibility for her child from birth, according to government website gov.uk.

For births registered in Northern Ireland, a father has parental responsibility if he’s married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth.

If a father marries the mother after the child’s birth, he has parental responsibility if he lives in Northern Ireland at the time of the marriage.

Meanwhile, an unmarried father has parental responsibility if he’s named, or becomes named, on the child’s birth certificate.

During his research, the Carrick man compiled questionnaires from other fathers, as well as gaining feedback from a children’s charity.

“[The book] explores how fathers face a harder struggle than mothers,” Stephen added. “Most of all it supports 50/50 parenting and shows that this will provide a better future for our children if they grow up being parented equally.

“I know that the family law system is currently being reviewed, but if more people are aware of the issues surrounding equal parenting then hopefully something will change.”

Through a Father’s Eyes is available as an e-book exclusive to Amazon Kindle for £1.99 and as a paperback on Blurb.co.uk for £10.