Parental Responsibility
Legal Advice and Support
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities a parent has in relation to their child. It includes making decisions about a child’s health, education, name, and upbringing. At Rashid Solicitors, we help parents and guardians understand their legal position and advise on how to secure or protect parental responsibility.
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities a parent has in relation to their child. It includes making decisions about a child’s health, education, name, and upbringing. At Rashid Solicitors, we help parents and guardians understand their legal position and advise on how to secure or protect parental responsibility.
We support individuals who want to acquire, confirm, or challenge parental responsibility in situations involving separation, disputes, or uncertainty. Whether you are a father not named on the birth certificate, a step-parent, or a carer, we provide clear advice tailored to your circumstances.
What is parental responsibility?
Parental responsibility gives legal authority to make important decisions on behalf of a child. Mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers also have it if they were married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, or if they are named on the birth certificate (after a certain date depending on the UK Law).
Others can acquire parental responsibility through
- A parental responsibility agreement
- A court order
- Adoption or step-parent arrangements
- Being appointed as a guardian
We help clients understand if they already have parental responsibility and how to legally acquire it if needed.
When solicitor advice is helpful
You may need legal advice if
- You are a father not named on the birth certificate
- You are being prevented from making decisions about your child
- You want to apply for a parental responsibility order
- You are unsure whether another person has legal parental authority
- You are being asked to sign or give up parental rights
- There is a dispute about who can make decisions for the child
to secure your rights or protect your child’s best interests.
Fixed fee for parental responsibility advice
Service
Legal Advice on
Parental Responsibility
What’s included
Solicitor consultation,
case review, written advice
Fixed fee
£300
(No VAT)
This includes
- Consultation with a qualified solicitor
- Review of your situation and documentation
- Advice on your legal rights and options
- Outline of the legal steps to acquire or challenge parental responsibility
- Written summary of next steps
Not included
- Drafting or submitting court applications
- Negotiation with the other party
- Representation at hearings
-
Applications linked to broader
child disputes (quoted separately) - Written summary of next steps
If further legal action is required, we will provide a fixed quote in writing before proceeding.
Disbursements and additional costs
These are not part of our legal fee and may include
- Court fees (if applying for a Parental Responsibility Order)
- Interpreter or translation services
- Document certification or sworn statements
- Process server fees (if another party must be formally notified)
You will not be charged unless the cost is explained and agreed in advance.
Who will handle your case
Your case will be handled or supervised by a qualified solicitor. You will receive a written client care letter confirming who is acting for you, what is included in your fee, and how to stay in contact.
Language support
We offer legal support in Bengali, Sylheti, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Somali and other languages. If you need help understanding your financial disclosure or consent order, we will ensure you receive support in the language you prefer.
how we work
Free 15 Min Consultation
24/7 Access for Urgent cases
Fixed Fees No hidden charges
Frequently asked question
It is the legal authority to make major decisions in a child’s life, such as medical treatment, schooling, or religion. It does not include day-to-day contact decisions unless otherwise agreed.
You can enter into a formal agreement with the child’s mother or apply to court for a parental responsibility order. We can help with both routes.
It is rare, but possible in extreme cases, such as where the court finds it is no longer in the child’s best interest. We can advise on your specific situation.
You may not have automatic parental responsibility, but you may still have legal rights and can apply for an order to acquire it.
If parents with parental responsibility cannot agree on a major decision, one can apply for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order. We advise on both.
Sometimes. This usually requires a court order or formal agreement, depending on the role they play in the child’s life. We can advise on eligibility.
No. Parental responsibility does not give one parent the power to deny contact without legal reason. If there are safety concerns, legal advice should be sought
Yes. Multiple people (e.g. parents, guardians, step-parents) can hold parental responsibility at the same time. The law focuses on the child’s best interests.
Book your free 15-minute consultation
If you are unsure about your rights or responsibilities as a parent, speak to a solicitor in confidence. We offer a free consultation to review your situation and explain the legal options available.
Call now or book your consultation online.
