Parental responsibility gives you legal responsibility for your child, whether you live with them or not. It’s the best way to stay involved with your child. Without parental responsibility you can’t authorise their medical treatment or be consulted on their religion or education. Married parents automatically have parental responsibility.
- having your child adopted
- changing their surname
- taking them to live abroad
If not married, you must go to the register office with the mum, to make sure your name’s on the certificate
Q - “What if you can’t go to the register office?”
A - You can apply later, but only if you both agree.
If you and the mum agree about things to do with your child, you can sign a parental responsibility agreement. If one of you breaks it, the other can take legal action to get the agreement restored. Get advice.
If you can’t agree, you can apply for a court order. Get advice.
