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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.
Testimonials
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.
Victoria jumped straight into action and really made changes in my case. She was professional, calm, meticulous and caring. Thanks to Victoria and the team my children are home where they belong with no findings against me! I can’t thank her enough and could not recommend her more, she’s fantastic!
The team are able to work on multiple transactions at once. I deal with an all-female team of solictors and paralegals which is good to see!
The team is highly responsive to communications and gives a personable yet professional service.
Friendly, approachable, quick, knowledgeable, transparent on fees, high quality service.
All the individuals at the firm with whom I have interacted have time to listen and understand. They make an effort to address the needs of clients – whether in the context of home visits or working with time differences with overseas clients. At all times, the client comes first. The firm should be very proud of their team.
Very friendly and approachable team. You are dealing with one person who knows your case, not a different person each time. Accessible to non-English speakers – they use professional and accredited interpreters and translators which makes them stand out from the other legal firms in the area.
All team members are very professional and respectful in their dealings with clients and other legal representatives. The team has a wide breadth of experience.
The family team are highly experienced and specialised, providing exceptional service, top quality advice, representation and support to their clients.
This team is unusual as although there are more than one office in the area it focuses in providing a consistent high level of service to local people and having specialist knowledge and understanding of the region and its culture
Wollens were very professional – knew exactly what we needed and got on with it.
They are approachable, knowledgeable, have great strength in depth and offer a strong client service.
They are a forward-thinking firm.
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