Call us on 08455 435 700
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Call us on 08455 435 700
Request A Callback
At Fisher Jones Greenwood, we understand the importance of having legal recognition of your relationship with your child. Our team of experienced family law solicitors specialises in Parental Responsibility matters, providing clear, compassionate guidance to help you establish and protect your legal rights as a parent.
For advice, contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700.
Parental Responsibility is the legal term for the rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities that a parent has in relation to their child. It includes the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including:
The following individuals automatically have Parental Responsibility:
If you do notautomatically have Parental Responsibility, our solicitors can help you obtain it through the appropriate legal channels.
Our dedicated team offers comprehensive support across all aspects of Parental Responsibility:
Our family law team brings decades of combined experience in handling sensitive family matters. We pride ourselves on offering practical, straightforward advice while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care.
As a Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners accredited firm, we are recognised for our expertise in family law matters. Our solicitors take the time to understand your unique situation, ensuring that the advice we provide is tailored to your specific needs and focused on achieving the best outcome for you and your child.
We offer:
Establishing your legal rights as a parent is crucial for your relationship with your child. Our team is here to guide you through the process with sensitivity and expertise.
Please contact us via our online enquiry form or call 0845 543 5700 for a guaranteed response.
With offices strategically located across Essex, including Billericay, Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Sudbury, and London, we are always within reach to offer tailored assistance that meets your specific needs.
We understand that taking the first step to reach out to a solicitor can be daunting, and we are here to make that process as smooth as possible for you. In the first instance, a member of our family team will be available to go through some initial questions with you to better understand your situation and determine your specific needs. Following this, we will arrange an appointment with one of our specialist solicitors who is best suited to assist you.
To get started, you can call us free on 0845 543 5700. For new clients, we offer an initial fixed fee meeting at £250, which includes VAT and all costs associated with initial onboarding. This meeting is designed to provide you with valuable insights and guidance tailored to your circumstances. After the meeting, we will follow up with appropriate resources and next steps to support you moving forward.
We also understand that flexibility is important, and our team offers appointments outside of usual office hours by pre-arranged remote appointment. This ensures that we can accommodate your schedule and provide the support you need at a time that is convenient for you.
For more than four decades, Fisher Jones Greenwood has provided expert legal advice to individuals and businesses throughout Essex, Suffolk, and London. Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to delivering practical solutions for your legal matters. Contact us on 08455 435 700 or via our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation.
Request A CallbackHow can an unmarried father get Parental Responsibility?
An unmarried father can obtain Parental Responsibility by:
Can step-parents get Parental Responsibility?
Yes, step-parents can acquire Parental Responsibility through:
How long does it take to get Parental Responsibility?
If using a Parental Responsibility Agreement, once signed and properly witnessed, it can be registered with the Court within 2-3 weeks. Court applications for Parental Responsibility Orders typically take 6-9 months, depending on the complexity of the case and Court schedules.
Can Parental Responsibility be removed?
Parental Responsibility acquired through being a birth mother or being married to the mother at birth cannot be removed except in adoption cases. Parental Responsibility acquired through other means can be removed by Court order, but this is rare and only happens in exceptional circumstances.
What happens if holders of Parental Responsibility disagree?
If there’s a dispute between holders of Parental Responsibility about a specific issue, such as education or medical treatment, either party can apply to the Court for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order to resolve the matter.
Does Parental Responsibility give me the right to contact with my child?
Parental Responsibility and contact (now called “Child Arrangements”) are separate legal issues. Having Parental Responsibility does not automatically guarantee contact with your child, but it does give you the right to be consulted about important decisions.
How much does it cost to get Parental Responsibility?
Please contact us for current pricing information. The fee will depend on whether you are entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement or making a Court application.
If you would like any further information, please contact us on 08455 435 700 or complete our online enquiry form.
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