Do you have Parental Responsibility?
What is Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility is when you have legal rights, obligations and responsibilities for the child(ren) you hold parental responsibility for. You have the right to ensure that your child(ren) are looked after, safeguarded and that their needs are met.
Do you have Parental Responsibility automatically?
Every mother who has birthed a child is automatically given parental responsibility for that child.
Every father who was married to the mother at the time of that child’s birth is given it automatically as are fathers named on the birth certificate for that child.
If you do not have it automatically, how do you get it?
You can come to an agreement with the mother of the child and have it placed in a Parental Responsibility Agreement or you can obtain a Court Order to be given it.
Do you have to be the father to get Parental Responsibility?
Other people such as other family members and the local authority can get parental responsibility through a Court Order however this is considered on a case by case basis and is not always given unless it is needed to ensure the child’s needs are met.
Step-parents are able to obtain parental responsibility if they play a significant role in the child’s life.
If you require any assistance with any gaining Parental Responsibility please reach out to the team at family@duddenlaw.co.uk or 02921 320 150
