Making Sense of Parental Responsibility for Separated Parents

When you’re navigating life as a separated or unmarried parent, figuring out how parental responsibility works in the UK can feel like stepping into unknown territory.

But getting a clear understanding of what it involves can really help make co-parenting smoother and prevent those tricky disputes down the line.

Simply put, parental responsibility is about having the right to make important decisions in your child’s life – things like their education, healthcare and even religious upbringing. In England and Wales, mums automatically have this responsibility, and dads do too if they’re married to the mum when the child is born or if they’re named on the birth certificate (for children born after December 1, 2003).

If you’re a dad or a non-biological parent who doesn’t automatically have parental responsibility, don’t worry – there are options. You can secure it through a mutual agreement with the other parent, a court order, or even by marrying the child’s mum if that applies.

At Berkson Family Law, we’re here to help you understand and navigate these steps. We know that every family is unique, and we’re committed to providing guidance that feels supportive and clear, so you can make the best decisions for your family.

From legal agreements to court orders, we’re here to help you establish your parental rights in a way that feels right for you and, most importantly, for your child’s future.

If you’re thinking about formalising parental responsibility or just have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Berkson Family Law. We’ll walk you through everything and make sure you feel confident and supported at every step.