The Right of Parental Responsibility
In England, the mother automatically has parental responsibility for the child starting at birth. The father is responsible if he is married to the mother or listed on the birth certificate. It is possible for someone to apply for parental responsibility if it is not automatically given. This means grandparents or relatives can apply in certain circumstances with the court for parental responsibility. By doing so, they can gain rights and responsibilities for the child/children.
Unmarried fathers can apply for parental responsibility in order to make sure the father has rights and responsibilities, even if the couple intend to remain unmarried. When Civil Partnerships are involved, such as same-sex parents, the parties involved will need to apply for parental responsibility unless one of them is the birth mother. In a situation where same-sex partners are not Civil Partners, then applying for parental responsibility is necessary. Both parties will need to jointly register the birth; otherwise the birth mother retains rights and responsibilities for the child.
