Does having parental responsibility mean a parent is entitled to access to a child?

Parental responsibility is a legal term that refers to the rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent has towards their child.

Having parental responsibility doesn’t automatically give you the right to contact or spend time with your child.

However, it does mean that the other parent should involve you in major decisions, such as those about education, medical care, or moving abroad.

For day-to-day parenting decisions, consent from the other parent usually isn’t needed, unless it’s a big decision affecting the child’s future.

If parents can't agree on a major issue which requires the consent of both of them, either one can apply to the family court for a court order to request something does, or doesn’t, happen. The court will then decide based on what’s best for the child.

If you require advice on parental responsibility, or wish to have access to your child, please contact our expert family law solicitors who are based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield and serve clients across the West Midlands.

For all new enquiries, please call 01902 328 365 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond