Apply for parental responsibility

If you’re not the birth mother, you can apply to court to get parental responsibility . You need to be connected to the child, for example as their father, step-parent or second female parent. More than 2 people can have parental responsibility for the same child. Scotland has its own set of rules, covered under ‘ordinary cause procedures’ . Sign a parental responsibility agreement If you’re a father or second female parent who wants parental responsibility and the birth mother agrees, fill in a parental responsibility agreement . There’s a different agreement form for step parents . Take the agreement to your local family court where it can be signed and witnessed. Also take the child’s birth certificate and proof of your identity, like a passport or driving licence. Send 2 copies of the form to the address below: Principal Registry of the Family Division First Avenue House 42-49 High Holborn London WC1V 6NP Apply for a court order If you want parental responsibility but cannot agree on arrangements with the birth mother, you can apply for a court order. A court order costs £263. You may be able to get help with court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income. To apply, fill in the application for an order (C1). Send this to your local family court . If you and your partner use a surrogate to have a child, you’ll need to apply for a parental order . Making a child arrangements order if you’re separated If you’ve separated from your partner you can make a child arrangements order which can give you parental responsibility.

Parental rights and responsibilities

What parental responsibility is

Having parental responsibility means you have legal rights and duties relating to your children’s upbringing.

If you have parental responsibility, your most important roles are to:

provide a home for the child
protect and maintain the child

You’re also responsible for:

disciplining the child
choosing and providing for the child’s education
agreeing to the child’s medical treatment
naming the child and agreeing to any change of name
looking after the child’s property

You have to ensure that your child is supported financially, whether you have parental responsibility or not.

There are different rules for parental responsibility in Scotland.

Parental responsibility for separated parents

If you have parental responsibility for a child but you do not live with them, it does not mean you have a right to spend time with your children. However, the other parent must include you when making important decisions about their lives.

You do not always need to get the consent of the other parent for routine decisions, even if they also have parental responsibility.

If it’s a major decision (for example, one of you wants to move abroad with your children) everyone who has parental responsibility must agree in writing.

You can apply for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order if you cannot agree. A judge will then make a decision which is in your children’s best interests.

You can get help to arrange contact with your children.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Parental rights and responsibilities

What parental responsibility is

Parental responsibility for separated parents

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Cookies on GOV.UK

Parental rights and responsibilities

What parental responsibility is

Parental responsibility for separated parents

Related content

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK