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It means having the legal rights and responsibilities to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing.
Wonderful service from start to finish.
Parental Responsibility Solicitors
When parents separate or family circumstances change, questions often arise about who has the legal right to make decisions for a child. Parental responsibility is a key part of family law, and it affects everything from day-to-day care to major life decisions. If you are unsure whether you have parental responsibility or you need help obtaining it, legal advice can help you understand your position and protect your child’s best interests.
At Warner Goodman LLP, our Family Law experts are here to support you with clear, practical advice about parental responsibility and your rights as a parent or carer.
Phone: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk
What is Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility is the legal term for the rights and responsibilities a person has in relation to a child. It means being involved in making important decisions about the child’s upbringing and welfare.
In simple terms, it covers who has the authority to make key decisions about a child’s life.
Having parental responsibility may include decisions about:
- Where the child lives
- What the child is named
- The child’s education and schooling
- Medical treatment and healthcare
- Religious upbringing
- Travel outside the UK
If more than one person has parental responsibility, major decisions usually need to be made together.
Who Has Parental Responsibility?
Parental responsibility is not the same for everyone and depends on the legal relationship to the child:
- A child’s birth mother automatically has parental responsibility
- Fathers who are married to the mother automatically have parental responsibility
- Unmarried fathers may have parental responsibility if they are named on the birth certificate (depending on when the child was born)
Others may also gain parental responsibility, including:
- Unmarried fathers, through agreement with the mother or a court order
- Step-parents through agreement or court application
- Special guardians appointed by the court
- Adoptive parents
- In some cases, local authorities, when a child is subject to care proceedings
Understanding your position can be complex, especially where parents are not married or arrangements have changed over time.
How We Can Help
Disputes or uncertainty about parental responsibility can be stressful, particularly when decisions about a child need to be made quickly. We are here to provide clear guidance and help you understand your rights.
At Warner Goodman LLP, we can:
 | Explain whether you already have parental responsibility |
| Advise you on how to obtain parental responsibility |
| Support you in reaching agreements with the other parent |
| Prepare and submit court applications if needed |
| Represent you in disputes involving parental responsibility |
We always focus on keeping arrangements practical and ensuring the child’s welfare remains the priority. If you need advice or support, contact our team today:
Phone: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mother automatically have parental responsibility?
Yes, a child’s birth mother automatically has parental responsibility from birth.
Do fathers automatically have parental responsibility?
It depends. Married fathers usually do, and unmarried fathers may have it if they are named on the birth certificate or have obtained it legally.
Can parental responsibility be gained without going to court?
Yes, in some cases, it can be gained through a parental responsibility agreement between parents.
Can step-parents get parental responsibility?
Yes, step-parents can apply for parental responsibility, usually by agreement or through the court.
When does parental responsibility end?
It normally ends when a child turns 18, unless a court order says otherwise.
Why Choose Warner Goodman LLP?
Parental responsibility issues are often complex and commonly arise alongside separation or disputes concerning a child’s upbringing. Having the right legal advice can make a significant difference.
| Experienced family law solicitors in children matters |
| Clear, practical advice tailored to your situation |
| Transparent pricing and Legal Aid available in eligible cases |
| Rated ‘Excellent’ on ReviewSolicitors.co.uk based on 1,000+ reviews |
| Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) |
We are here to help you understand your rights and move forward with confidence.
Speak to Our Team
If you need advice about parental responsibility or want to apply for it, our team can help guide you through the process.
We support families across Hampshire and beyond, with offices in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, and Waterlooville.
Phone: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk
Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form to request a confidential callback.
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