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Parental responsibility
Practical Law UK Glossary 6-382-5741 (Approx. 4 pages)
Glossary
Parental responsibility
Under the Children Act 1989, "parental responsibility" means all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which, by law, a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property.
For example, this would include:
- Providing a home.
- Having contact with and living with them.
- Protecting and maintaining them.
- Disciplining them.
- Choosing and providing for their education.
- Agreeing to medical treatment.
- Appointing a guardian.
Married parents both have parental responsibility for their children. The Children Act 1989 also sets out who has parental responsibility for a child in other circumstances.
For more information, see Practice note, FAQ: What is parental responsibility and who has it?.