Parental Responsibility Disputes
Parental responsibility (PR) is the legal authority to make significant decisions concerning a child’s life, including matters of education, medical treatment, religious upbringing, and day-to-day care. While many parents share PR by default, disputes can arise when one parent feels excluded from decisions, when a parent is misusing their authority, or when someone who plays a central role in the child’s life seeks to obtain PR.
These disagreements often surface during or after separation and can cause ongoing tension that directly affects the child’s wellbeing. In such cases, the court may be asked to decide how PR should be exercised, whether it should be restricted, or if someone—such as a step-parent or guardian—should be granted PR.
Resolving PR disputes is about finding a balance between rights, responsibilities, and the child’s need for stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to the legal duties and rights a person has in making decisions for a child—covering areas like education, medical care, and overall welfare.
Mothers always have PR. Fathers have it if they were married to the mother or are named on the birth certificate after December 2003. Others—like step-parents or guardians—can apply to the court.
PR can’t usually be removed, but the court can restrict how it’s exercised if it’s being used in a way that harms the child or creates conflict.
Disagreements over parental responsibility can be emotionally charged and legally complex. At AAGA Solicitors, we help you assert or challenge PR with clarity and care—ensuring that decisions about your child are fair, respectful, and always in their best interest.
