Parental responsibility refers to all of the rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent has in relation to their child. Both parents will usually have parental responsibility and can meet it individually on a day-to-day basis, provided they do so within the terms of the order.
Who can have Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility is typically shared by both parents, allowing them to make day-to-day decisions within the terms of the order. The following people may have parental responsibility:
The mother of a child has Parental Responsibility from birth.
The father will also have Parental Responsibility if he is married to the child’s mother OR if he is listed on the birth certificate and the child was born after 1 December 2003, OR if he signs a Parental Responsibility agreement with the mother.
In cases of adoption, both parents have Parental Responsibility.
In cases of same-sex partners who were civil partners at the time of IVF treatment, both partners will have Parental Responsibility.
In cases where a couple may have separated, one parent is usually the resident parent with Parental Responsibility and the legal right to make day-to-day decisions over the care of their child, while the non-resident parent has Parental Responsibility, allowing them contact with their children and the right to have a say in how their children are brought up.
can also be assigned under the law e.g. surrogate mother carries a child and intended parents apply for Parental Responsibility.
Duties under the Law
According to the law, a parent’s responsibilities include:
To provide a home for the child
To protect and maintain the child
To discipline the child
choosing and providing for the child’s education
agreeing to the child’s medical treatment
naming the child and agreeing to any change of name
looking after the child’s property.
Whether or not a parent has Parental Responsibility, parents have a financial responsibility towards their children.
How can Lumine Solicitors help?
Lumine Solicitors’ family law team can provide guidance to parents regarding Parental Responsibility matters, such as assisting with court order applications and offering advice on disputes related to Parental Responsibility.
For all family matters please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 3950 2246 or Contact Us HERE
