Parental responsibility is a legal term that describes the rights and responsibilities that a father (or mother) has towards their child. If a father's name is on the birth certificate, he automatically has parental responsibility for the child. This means that he has the right to be involved in important decisions about the child's upbringing, including education, religion, and medical treatment.
Custody and Access
If the parents separate, it's important to determine where the child will live and how much time the other parent will spend with the child. The father, as a parent with parental responsibility, has the right to be involved in this decision-making process. The courts encourage both parents to work together to make decisions in the best interests of the child.
Child Maintenance
Child maintenance is the financial support that a parent provides for their child. If the parents separate, the non-resident parent (i.e. the parent who does not live with the child) is typically required to pay child maintenance to the resident parent. This is to help cover the costs of raising the child. The father, as a parent with parental responsibility, has a legal obligation to provide financial support for their child.
Other Rights
If the father's name is on the birth certificate, he also has the right to:
· Be notified of any court proceedings that affect the child · Apply for a child arrangements order to determine custody and access · Have access to the child's school and medical records
If you're a father whose name appears on the birth certificate and you're unsure about your legal rights, it's important to seek legal advice. At Official UK Certificates, we can provide you with a copy of your child's birth certificate, which will prove your legal relationship to the child. Contact us today to order a birth certificate.