Parental Responsibility Agreements and Orders
Haider Kennedy lawyers advise divorcing and unmarried parents about all aspects of their rights and obligations as parents. During marriage and after divorce, both parents are legally recognised as jointly responsible for important decisions concerning their children, but only mothers have full parental responsibility if the child was born of unmarried parents prior to 1 December 2003.
If you need advice as an unmarried father in South London about the best ways to obtain enforceable parental responsibility rights, contact the family law firm of Haider Kennedy in Croydon for a no-charge, no-obligation consultation with a solicitor.
Formal recognition of parental responsibility gives an unmarried father the practical opportunity to exercise equal authority over any important aspect of the child's welfare and upbringing, including:
- Place of residence
- Education, including access to school records and reports
- Medical treatment
- Religious training
- Overseas travel or residence for extended periods
In many situations, we can advise you about the terms of a parental responsibility agreement to be negotiated and executed between the parents. This instrument should anticipate and identify the points where a joint parental decision will be necessary to give the child the full benefit of both parents' authority in important decisions. The parental responsibility agreement should also be witnessed and registered.
When for whatever reason it is impossible for parents to agree on the specific terms of parental responsibility, the father can apply to the court for a parental responsibility order that grants the same rights. Haider Kennedy can advise and act for either the father seeking such an order or for the mother opposing it for sound reasons.
Call 0808 231 6780 for a Croydon Parental Responsibility Solicitor's Advice
Haider Kennedy works with unmarried fathers and mothers throughout South London and South East England. For additional information about our experience, contact us in Croydon for a free consultation.
