Parental Responsibility (PR) refers to the legal rights and duties parents have in making decisions about their child’s upbringing, welfare, and daily needs. This includes:
- Providing a stable home for the child.
- Making decisions about education, health, religion, and other key aspects of the child’s life.
- Managing the child’s assets and protecting their financial well-being.
PR gives both parents the authority to be actively involved in these decisions, ensuring that both are part of their child’s upbringing.
PR for Fathers and Partners
For fathers and partners, PR is crucial as it ensures shared authority with the mother or other individuals who hold PR. Having PR allows fathers and partners to be fully involved in important decisions about their child’s life, contributing to the child’s emotional and mental stability by providing consistency and shared decision-making.
Without PR, fathers and partners may face challenges in being excluded from major decisions, which can be emotionally distressing for both the parent and the child.
Mental Health and Parental Responsibility
A lack of Parental Responsibility can have a significant impact on mental health. Fathers and partners without PR may feel excluded, leading to feelings of helplessness, isolation, and emotional distress. This exclusion can contribute to anxiety, depression, and strained relationships with both the child and the co-parent.
Recognising the emotional toll of not having PR is important, and seeking support can help manage these feelings. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health related to PR, Mind offers resources to support parents and partners through these challenges.
Visit Mind for more on mental health support: Mind's Mental Health Resources.
Why PR Matters
Having Parental Responsibility means you can:
- Participate in key decisions about your child’s health, education, and general welfare.
- Help create a stable, secure environment for your child, contributing to their mental and emotional well-being.
- Build a stronger bond with your child by being involved in their upbringing.
If you do not have PR but wish to obtain it, there are legal avenues available to help you secure PR and play an active role in your child’s life.