If you don’t automatically have Parental Responsibility (PR), there are legal steps you can take to obtain it. Whether the child’s mother consents or not, here’s how you can secure PR and play a more active role in your child’s life.
1. If the Mother Consents
If the child’s mother agrees to grant you PR, the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
-
Complete a PR Agreement Form: You and the child’s mother must fill out a Parental Responsibility Agreement (C(PRA1)) form, which you can find on the Gov.uk website.
-
Attend a Local Family Court: Both parents will need to take the completed form, along with your child’s birth certificate and proof of identity (such as a passport or driver’s license), to your local family court.
-
Get the Form Witnessed: At the family court, the form will be witnessed, signed, and officially registered, granting you Parental Responsibility.
For detailed instructions and to download the form, visit Gov.uk - Parental Rights and Responsibilities.
2. If There is No Agreement
If the child’s mother does not agree to grant PR, you’ll need to apply for a Parental Responsibility Order through the court. Here’s how:
-
Apply for a PR Court Order: Complete the application for a C1 form (Application for a Parental Responsibility Order) and submit it to your local family court. You can find the form and further details on the cost of the application at Gov.uk - Parental Rights and Responsibilities.
-
Court Process: Once you’ve submitted your application, the court will assess whether granting you PR is in the best interests of the child. The court may consider factors such as your relationship with the child and your involvement in their life.
-
Legal Costs: Check the latest costs for applying for a PR order on the Gov.uk website. Financial assistance may be available if you are eligible for legal aid.
For more guidance on applying for a PR court order, visit the Gov.uk website or seek legal advice from organisations like Coram Children’s Legal Centre at Coram Children’s Legal Centre.
Emotional Support During the Process
Applying for PR can be a stressful and emotional process, especially if there is disagreement between parents. It’s important to seek emotional support during this time:
- Relate: Offers relationship counseling and support for those dealing with family-related stress. Visit Relate for more information.
- Mind: Provides mental health resources and support for those navigating stressful legal processes. Visit Mind.
Taking care of your emotional well-being during this time is essential, especially as you work toward securing your role in your child’s life.
Can PR Be Removed?
Although it is rare, Parental Responsibility (PR) can be removed through a court application by the mother or local authority. Typically, PR is revoked in extreme cases, such as:
-
Non-Biological Father: PR may be withdrawn if a DNA test or court order proves that a man is not the biological father.
-
Care Orders: If the child is placed under a care order, PR technically remains with the parents, but the local authority takes over day-to-day decision-making for the child.
For more guidance on this process, visit Gov.uk or seek legal advice from Coram Children’s Legal Centre at Coram Children’s Legal Centre.