Parental Responsibility

Parental Responsibilty (or PR) means that the person with it can make certain decisions on behalf of the child (eg medical) and that bodies like schools and GPs have to talk to that person. Certain decisions affecting the child can only be done with the knowledge of all of those who have PR. If a father is attempting to secure contact with a child it is something that he should strive to get.

There is more to it than that but see: Parental rights and responsibilities

PR is something that mothers have automatically and fathers can acquire by:


 * being married to the mother at the time of the birth or subsequently marrying her
 * mother agreeing to him having it, the form C (PRA1) should be filled in and sent to the Principal Registry, there is not a fee for this.
 * a court ordering it
 * if the mother dies, becoming the child's guardian

Second mothers can also apply for PR, using methods similar to fathers above. Second mothers need for C (PRA3)

Since 1 December 2003 fathers who jointly register the birth of the child with the mother automatically have PR. The rules are slightly different but in Scotland the date is 4 May 2006, in Northern Ireland the date is 15 April 2002.

People other than the natural parents can get PR, eg on adoption, or if a child lives with someone while the parents are working overseas. A local council may acquire PR if there are problems with the parents.