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Parental responsibility refers to the legal obligations and rights a parent has towards their child, ranging from making important life decisions to simpler, everyday choices. This responsibility evolves over time, adjusting as the child grows and becomes capable of making their own decisions.
In married couples, both parents automatically share joint parental responsibility. However, in unmarried relationships, only the mother holds parental responsibility unless the father takes specific steps to acquire it. An unmarried father has several options to gain parental responsibility, including applying for a Parental Responsibility Order, reaching agreement with the mother, or registering on the child’s birth certificate.
Multiple individuals can share parental responsibility at once; there is no legal limit. The only way parental responsibility ends is through death or adoption. However, an unmarried father or second female parent who acquires parental responsibility via court order, agreement, or birth certificate registration can have it revoked by further court order.
While many individuals may share parental responsibility, when it comes to making decisions for the child, one parent can act alone without requiring the consent of others. However, certain decisions—especially those involving the child’s welfare—may require agreement from all parties with parental responsibility. If consensus cannot be reached, it may be necessary to refer the matter to court. For tailored advice, it’s important to seek specialist legal guidance.
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Wollens is approachable and a welcoming and supportive space. This is especially important when dealing with family law, as these can be highly emotive cases.
Deborah Baker’s wealth of knowledge is evident in how she has dealt with my cases. Deborah is realistic, grounded and professional throughout, while also managing to be sympathetic, encouraging and supportive in moments where needed. I wouldn’t hesitate to take her advice.
A good firm with a range of quality solicitors
The team at Wollens are extremely approachable and knowledgeable and are keen to understand the needs of their clients. My experience is that they are inquisitive as to the ways which other professionals can help their clients achieve good outcomes.
Karen Miller and I have collaborated on complex family cases where multi-generational planning is involved and her approach has been truly open minded in how to best meet client needs. This is unusual in my experience, and it takes a lot of skill and understanding of the wider planning landscape to be able to adapt one’s thought process as the case progresses.
Measured and pragmatic approach to dealing with potential conflicts between family members, executors, trustees and beneficiaries when dealing with the winding up of a deceased’s estate.
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