Parental Rights & Duties
Fathers or mothers, whether married or unmarried, can be ordered by a court or the Child Support Agency to contribute to bringing up their child. Parental rights diminish as a child becomes older. Anyone who has parental responsibility may apply for a residence order; this means that the parent has the right to have the child live with them until the child reaches their 18th birthday. Other people can also apply with permission of the court, depending on several factors. However, such orders will only be made in exceptional circumstances after a child reaches 16 years of age.
A mother always has parental responsibility for her child. As does the father, if he was married to the mother at the time of the birth. An unmarried father would not have parental responsibility unless he obtains a court order, or if the mother agrees to give it to him, or if he and the child’s mother register the birth together. A father’s rights regarding his child’s education are wider, even if he does not have parental responsibility, he can attend parents’ evenings and have access to his child’s school records. Parents of children who receive a conviction at court can be ordered to attend a course in parenting skills. If you have any queries contact your local CAB youth worker or social worker.
For further information please contact: Parent Line Plus on 0808 800 2222 or visit www.raisingkids.co.uk
The Law and Your Family
A child's birth must be registered by the Registrar within 42 days of the birth. If the parents are not married and they want the father’s name on the birth certificate, he should go to the register office with the mother.
Birth certificates are important and need to be kept safe. You can get copies of your birth certificate by contacting the Registrar in the district where you were born – see phone book under ‘Registration’.
