Children Matters
Parental Responsibility: Who Has It & How to Get It
March 2026
Parental responsibility affects important decisions about a child’s upbringing, schooling, and medical care. Here is what it means in practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can parental responsibility be obtained without court?
Yes, where agreement route is available and properly executed.
Does parental responsibility end if parents separate?
No. Separation does not usually remove parental responsibility.
Can someone lose parental responsibility?
This is uncommon and depends on specific legal circumstances.