Strangers Making Babies – a modern take on parenting?
March 2021 | Lisa Churchill
Channel 4 has launched a new series called Strangers Making Babies, the first episode of which was broadcast on 23rd March 2021.
The idea of the programme is that single people who are looking to become parents are partnered with someone who is selected by a matchmaking expert as a suitable match for them, with advice from a fertility specialist. The prospective parents then meet at what is effectively a first date to see if they bond.
The idea of the programme has baffled viewers, with some saying this is a progressive look at parenting and others stating that this is an example of the world gone mad.
The makers of the programme have stated that the rise in ‘platonic parenting’ has meant that the making of this series is relevant to today’s society. The parents of the children have no romantic relationship but wish to become parents.
As family solicitors, we are aware of the issues of co-parenting where the parents have been in a loving relationship which has unfortunately broken down. However, these issues can become significantly more complex where the parents of the child are strangers who, while they may have common ideals, could have differing views in relation to raising a child.
A key aspect of these cases, where there has been no pre-existing relationship, can be the lack of trust between the potential parents. While this can similarly be the case with separated parents, the possibility of this occurring with virtual strangers is potentially fraught with difficulties in the future if certain issues are not discussed before the couple consider having a baby together.
Decisions made while the two potential parents are amicable, can swiftly be changed if there is a dispute and no agreement is written down. Pregnancy and the first few months of parenthood are a very emotional and stressful time for a new parent. One person’s view that they are helping can be considered as overbearing and interfering by another.
The key thing in all co-parenting – whether with a separated partner or in a platonic arrangement – is communication. The better parents of a child can communicate, the more effective any co-parenting arrangement can be.
In addition to this, clear thought into the future involvement of any platonic partner would be useful. Things which should be considered at this stage would be:-
- Is the non-gestational parent to be named on the birth certificate?
- How involved is the non-gestational parent going to be in the child’s life?
- How much time will the non-gestational parent spend with the child after birth?
An agreement can be as wide ranging or limited as the potential parents would like but the key is that the agreement is set down so it can be referred to in the event of a dispute.
Any agreement which is reached is not enforceable with a court but can show the intentions of the parents should any agreement about the arrangements for a child be disputed.
Ultimately where there is a dispute about child arrangements, an application can be made to the court once the child is born.
The court are not interested in how a child was conceived, only about what is in their best interests, with the welfare of the child being the paramount consideration of the court.
At Fullers Family Law, we are skilled in dealing with complex children issues and our specialist solicitors are able to deal with agreements in relation to parenting arrangements and any disputes about child arrangements. If you would like advice on parenting agreements, please contact us on 01234 343134 or email enquiries@fullersfamilylaw.com for a free no obligation consultation.
Lisa Churchill is a specialist family lawyer at Fullers Family Law. Lisa has extensive experience in dealing with disputes relating to child arrangements, to include those arising where there is no pre-existing relationship between the child’s parents.
