Establishment of parenthood
As a rule, parenthood should be established in the child's country of residence in accordance with the legislation of that country. A final decision on parenthood issued in a foreign state can be recognised in Finland without separate confirmation.
A decision of a court or another authority and the establishment or registration of a legal transaction is deemed a decision if the relationship between the persons concerned is considered a relationship between a child and a parent as a result of such a measure in the state where the registration or other measure was carried out.
Where necessary, the Helsinki District Court may confirm, upon application, whether a decision on parenthood issued in a foreign state is to be recognised in Finland.
Establishment of paternity in the UK
If the child has been born in the UK and the birth certificate includes father's details, paternity is confirmed in Finland automatically when the child's birth is registered in the Finnish Population Register System. The full version of the birth certificate states the parents’ names. Certificate does not require a translation.
The document issued by the British authorities must be legalised with an Apostille certificate. In the UK, an Apostille can be obtained from the Legalization Office. Instructions for obtaining an Apostille can be found here: Get your document legalised.