Obtaining parental responsibility is a crucial step for fathers in the UK. This guide will help you understand the process and what you need to do based on your circumstances.
Parental Responsibility for Fathers of Children Born on or After December 1, 2003
If your child was born on or after December 1, 2003, and you are not married to the mother, you can gain parental responsibility (PR) by being named on the birth certificate. Ensure your name is included when registering the birth. This will give you automatic PR for your child.
Parental Responsibility for Fathers of Children Born Before December 1, 2003
For children born before December 1, 2003, and you were not married to the mother, you’ll need to follow a different process. You will need to obtain a court order to gain PR. This involves applying to the court, which will then decide based on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors, including your relationship with the child and your commitment to their upbringing.
PR for Married Fathers
If you are married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, you automatically have parental responsibility. You don’t need to do anything further. This applies regardless of whether your child was born before or after December 1, 2003.
Applying for a Parental Responsibility Order
If you are not married to the mother and your name is not on the birth certificate, you can apply for a parental responsibility order. To do this, submit an application to the court. The court will review your case and decide based on what is best for the child. Factors include your involvement in the child’s life and your ability to care for them.
For a complete walkthrough of the process, read our guide to obtaining parental responsibility as a dad.
Parental Responsibility and Contact Arrangements
It’s important to note that parental responsibility does not automatically grant you the right to contact your child. You need to make contact arrangements separately. If you and the mother cannot agree on contact, you can apply to the court for a child arrangement order. This order will outline the specifics of contact and living arrangements.
For help understanding your options, our step-by-step guide to Child Arrangements Orders outlines the full legal process.
Steps to Take If You Are Not on the Birth Certificate
If your name is not on the birth certificate, there are several steps you can take:
- Re-register the Birth: If both you and the mother agree, you can re-register the birth to include your name.
- Court Application: Apply to the court for a parental responsibility order. The court will assess your application and make a decision based on the child’s best interests.
Key Considerations
- Best Interests of the Child: The court always prioritizes the child’s best interests when making decisions about parental responsibility.
- Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal advice to navigate the process and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Not sure where to begin? Explore how legal aid solicitors work — and how we support dads who don’t qualify.
By following these steps, fathers can secure parental responsibility and play an active role in their child’s life. This not only supports the child’s development but also strengthens the father-child relationship.
If you’re struggling to obtain PR, reach out to Dads’ Consultancy. We specialise in supporting fathers through the court process, making it easier and less stressful. Our experienced team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Let us help you secure your parental responsibility and strengthen your bond with your child.
🧠 Insider Insight: Lach, our founder, is a qualified social worker who used to write Section 7 reports for CAFCASS — the very reports that influence court outcomes. Now he helps dads respond to them. Learn more about Lach’s background.
👉 Learn more about how we can support you or book a free consultation today
