Fathers who do not automatically have parental responsibility can acquire it by formal agreement with the mother. This has to be done on the proper form and be registered with the court- we can advise on how to do this.

The father can also apply to the court and if the mother disputes this then the court will decide whether to grant it. We can advise you and represent you at court. Help with legal fees may be provided by the Legal Services Commission. We will advise you on this.

It is possible for other people to acquire parental responsibility. Anyone who adopts a child or obtains a residence order will automatically have parental responsibility. It can also be obtained by someone appointed a guardian under a will. 

Frearsons Family Law offer advice for parents regarding parental responsibility, where one or both parents are unsure of their rights regarding the responsibility of a child. It is important to keep the child’s welfare as the top priority whilst determining the matter of responsibility.

Each parent who has parental responsibility is entitled to make decisions about the child independently of each other, although it is always advised to consult each other when making important decisions.

If those with parental responsibility cannot agree on a very important issue concerning the child, it is possible to ask the court to decide what is best for the child. If a parent has parental responsibility but is not caring for the child, they cannot interfere with day-to-day decisions as these should be left to the person with whom the child is living.

However, anyone with parental responsibility is entitled to have information about a child from his or her school or doctor and consent to medical treatment on behalf of the child.

These facts are just brief overviews of the rules and regulations concerning parental responsibility. During a confidential meeting with one of our family law solicitors, all aspects of parental responsibility will be explained in much more detail.