Parental responsibility is a legal right held by the parents of a child. It includes the responsibility of providing a home for that child and the duty to protect and maintain the child.
Step parents do no automatically obtain parental responsibility of a child. They must obtain a Residence Order from the Court (See types of court order)
To learn more about this area, read our new guide on adoption.
If you need further on parental responsibility or as a step parent, help please see the section on family law or call rhw, family lawyers in Guildford on 01483 302 000 or complete our contact form.
