Sensitive help with parental rights and responsibilities

Parental rights and responsibilities mean you can have a say in the important decisions that shape your child’s life — from their name and religion to where they live and which school they go to. While these rights last until your child turns 16, your role in guiding and supporting them continues until they reach 18.

Who has parental rights and responsibilities?

• A child’s mother automatically has full parental rights and responsibilities at birth.
• A child’s father gains these rights if he is married to the mother at the time of birth, or if he is registered as the father on the birth certificate (for children born after 4th June 2006).
• If a father does not automatically have parental rights, these can be granted through an agreement with the other parent or by a court.
• A legally appointed guardian assumes full parental rights and responsibilities if a parent passes away.
• Others with a genuine interest in the child’s welfare - such as grandparents, siblings, step-parents, or even close family friends - can apply to the court for parental rights and responsibilities.

In some cases, a court can remove parental rights if it is determined that doing so is in the best interests of the child.

How much will it cost?

Get in touch with us if you believe it is harmful to your child that the other parent has parental rights and responsibilities, or perhaps you are a grandparent seeking contact with your grandchild. 

Whatever your circumstances, get in touch for an initial consultation at a fixed fee of £340 + VAT.