Parental Responsibility & Rights Solicitors

Parental responsibility plays an important part in a child’s upbringing, giving those who hold it the legal authority to be involved in key decisions about their care. For many families, understanding who has parental responsibility can provide valuable clarity and help ensure that important decisions about a child are made with confidence.

At Pinnington Law, our experienced Family Law Solicitors advise on all aspects of parental responsibility, including parental responsibility agreements and applications to the Family Court.

Under the Children Act 1989, parental responsibility covers the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities a parent has in relation to their child and their property. In practical terms, it can give you a legal role in important decisions concerning matters such as education, medical treatment and other significant aspects of a child’s upbringing.

Pinnington Law is a specialist Family Law firm and part of the Farnworth Rose Group. Stephen and Clare Pinnington have more than 50 years of combined experience in Family Law, giving clients access to experienced, practical advice delivered with sensitivity and a clear understanding of the pressures family disagreements can create.

If you need advice regarding parental responsibility, call us on 0161 938 7006 or complete our enquiry form to speak confidentially with a member of our team.

Who has parental responsibility?

A child’s birth mother will ordinarily have parental responsibility automatically. A father will usually have parental responsibility if he was married to the child’s mother when the child was born or if he is named on the birth certificate.

Other people may also have or acquire parental responsibility depending on their relationship with the child and the circumstances. This can include a second female parent, step-parent or another person who has been granted parental responsibility through an agreement or court order.

More than two people can hold parental responsibility for the same child. If you are unsure whether you already have parental responsibility, we can review your circumstances, explain your legal position and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

What is a parental responsibility order?

A parental responsibility order is an order made by the Family Court giving parental responsibility to an eligible person who does not already have it. It may be needed where parental responsibility cannot be obtained by agreement with the relevant parent or parents.

If the court grants the order, you will have a recognised legal role in important decisions about the child’s upbringing. However, parental responsibility does not automatically mean the child will live with you or give you a particular amount of time with them. Those issues are dealt with separately, usually through a Child Arrangements Order where agreement cannot be reached.

Obtaining a parental responsibility order will not usually remove it from somebody who already has it. If an application is required, we can advise you on your eligibility, explain what the court is likely to consider and help you present your case clearly and constructively.

How to apply for parental responsibility

Contact Our Parental Responsibility Solicitors

Questions about parental responsibility often arise at important moments in a child’s life, and getting the right advice early can help avoid uncertainty later on.

With offices in Manchester (Salford) and Burnley (Nelson), we advise clients across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the wider North West, combining approachable guidance with strong technical knowledge of child law. We understand that these matters are rarely just about legal status alone. They are about ensuring the right people can play a recognised and responsible role in a child’s life, with clarity and confidence.

Our team regularly assists with parental responsibility agreements, court applications and related child law issues, always focusing on sensible, outcome-led advice that is easy to understand. From the outset, we take the time to explain your options, deal with the paperwork carefully and help you move matters forward as smoothly as possible.

Wherever you are based, we offer dependable legal advice at competitive regional rates, helping you protect your role in a child’s life with reassurance and clarity.

To speak with one of our child custody lawyers, call us on 0161 938 7006 or complete the form below and we will be in touch.

Parental Responsibility Frequently Asked Questions