Michelmores Family Law Service

Children Issues for married and unmarried couples

When a relationship breaks down regardless of whether you are married or not, as a parent you will often argue about children in terms of where they should reside (Residence) and when they should see the other parent (Contact). The team of family lawyers at Michelmores Solicitors take a conciliatory approach wherever possible. We can help by negotiating arrangements with your spouse, and advising you as to the advantages and disadvantages of both mediation and court proceedings.

Parental Responsibility - What is it?

Having Parental Responsibility means the legal right to make important decisions about your child's life. It also means that you have a duty to care for and protect your child.

Whereas for a married couple both parents automatically have parental responsibility, this is not the case if you are not married. In these circumstances, a mother will always have parental responsibility, but a father will only have parental responsibility if

• He has entered into a Parental Responsibility Agreement with the mother
• A Parental Responsibility Order has been made by the court
• If a child is born after December 2003 and the father's name is on the Birth Certificate and he consents to this

For more advice please contact our specialist family lawyers. We can help you with any matter concerning a child, including for example:-

1. Residence

2. Contact

3. Change of name of a child

4. Care proceedings

5. Adoption

6. Child Abduction

7. Parental Responsibility