How to get parental responsibility without a lawyer

Summary

Parental responsibility is how the law describes the responsibilities and rights that go with being a parent. If you have parental responsibility for a child, you must care for and protect that child and the law entitles you to be involved in making decisions about them. Understand how to apply for a parental responsibility order if you need to and what you have to do at every stage of the process. This information applies to England and Wales. 1 Who can apply? 2 What you need to do first 3 How to apply 4 Who you need to tell about your application 5 What to do if you have been sent an application for a parental responsibility order 6 Before the first hearing 7 The first hearing (the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment) 8 Dispute Resolution Appointment 9 The final hearing 10 The process 11 More help and advice about parental responsibility 12 What does it mean? 13 About this guide If your child’s mum or stepchild’s other parent won’t make a parental responsibility agreement you may need to apply for a parental responsibility order. Here we explain who can apply for this kind of court order, how you apply, what forms you must fill in and what happens next. You can apply.

Key information

• •a second female parent, or
• •not the child’s parent but are married to or the civil partner of one of the child’s parents – but only if your husband, wife or civil partner has parental responsibility for the child.
• •a process called the ‘collaborative law approach’ where you both (or all) have solicitors and come together in the same room to negotiate and reach agreement,
• •neutral evaluation where a single experienced family lawyer gives their opinion on how the court would decide what should happen in your dispute, or
• •arbitration (like having a private judge).
• •explore whether you really have to go to court or whether you might be able to come to an agreement, and
• •assess whether mediation is a safe way for you and the other parent to try and sort out your disagreement.
• •You can download and save the C1 form so that you can take your time filling it in or you can print it and fill it in by hand. If you don’t have a computer or printer at home you can go to your local library for help.
• •If you complete the C1 form by hand, do it in pencil first. It makes it easier to change or take things out.
• •You don’t need to use long words and legal language in what you write. The best thing is to keep it short and simple. Stick to what is relevant and try not to repeat yourself.
• •If your case ends up in court and you are going to need an interpreter and/or you have a disability and need help or special facilities, for example, a loop or signer, make sure you tell the court in the form C1. The court should then contact you to find out more about your specific needs.
• •violent or threatening behaviour,

Practical guidance

• •Source: [How to get parental responsibility without a lawyer](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/family-and-children/parental-responsibility/how-get-parental-responsibility-without-lawyer)

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