X (female partner non-acquisition of parental responsibility), Re

Facts

AR and BM, both women, formed a romantic relationship in or around early 2023, at a time when BM was already pregnant with X, conceived through sexual intercourse with LY and not by any form of assisted reproduction. AR was present when X was born in 2023 at R Hospital, and some six weeks later the couple attended the local registry office, where AR was recorded on the birth certificate under the heading "PARENT" and BM under the heading "MOTHER". The accounts of that appointment differ: AR describes the registrar as thorough in explaining what each was signing and consenting to, while BM says she felt rushed, that no documentation of parental rights was sought, and that she was coerced by AR into having her name included. X, now aged 3, lives with BM and has no contact with AR. X's genetic father, LY, has played no part in X's life; his whereabouts were ascertained through the DWP and he has been served with notices of hearings but has neither attended nor communicated with the court. AR issued a Form C100 on 23 October 2025 seeking a child arrangements order. BM opposes it and alleges domestic abuse by AR, which AR denies. At a hearing on 15 May 2026 HHJ Robinson, sitting in retirement, identified three issues and listed a one-day hearing.