Parental rights and responsibilities
Apply for parental responsibility
If you’re not the birth mother, you can apply to court to get parental responsibility.
You need to be connected to the child, for example as their father, step-parent or second female parent.
More than 2 people can have parental responsibility for the same child.
Scotland has its own set of rules, covered under ‘ordinary cause procedures’.
Sign a parental responsibility agreement
If you’re a father or second female parent who wants parental responsibility and the birth mother agrees, fill in a parental responsibility agreement.
There’s a different agreement form for step parents.
Take the agreement to your local family court where it can be signed and witnessed.
Also take the child’s birth certificate and proof of your identity, like a passport or driving licence.
Send 2 copies of the form to the address below:
Principal Registry of the Family Division
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NP
Apply for a court order
If you want parental responsibility but cannot agree on arrangements with the birth mother, you can apply for a court order.
A court order costs £263.
You may be able to get help with court fees if you’re on benefits or a low income.
To apply, fill in the application for an order (C1).
Send this to your local family court.
If you and your partner use a surrogate to have a child, you’ll need to apply for a parental order.
Making a child arrangements order if you’re separated
If you’ve separated from your partner you can make a child arrangements order which can give you parental responsibility.