This book was produced for those many men who come to the Community Law Centre
seeking information regarding the legal issues surrounding paternity and fatherhood.
If you are, or have recently been, involved with someone who is now pregnant, the
information in this book is to help you find the answers to questions you may have.
Thank you to the groups in the community who assisted with the production of this book
– Agriculture NZ, Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, Mirror Counselling, and
Family Planning.
Thank you to the Legal Services Agency who gave the grant for the initial printing of
this book, and to Damian Whitford for the design and lay-out.
If you wish to have further information and advice about the issues raised in this book,
please contact your local Community Law Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau or family
lawyer.

If you have recently discovered you are pregnant, you will know that there
are some big decisions that need to be made and made quickly. This
booklet is intended to give you some background information on legal
issues that you may need to know when making these decisions.
It is however, simply an outline and a guide, as everybody’s circumstances
are different. If you want clarification on these issues, you should contact
your local Community Law Centre.