Parent's Rights
Articles explaining the legal rights of parents in various family situations. Topics include custody, maintenance, adoption procedures, and court orders affecting children.
Accessing Your Child's Medical Records: Your Rights
Parents with parental responsibility can access their child's medical records if they're under 16, but the rules differ for mothers and fathers.
Adopting a Child
Most people can adopt in the UK regardless of age or background, despite common myths about strict requirements.
Applying for Child Custody
Get guidance on how child custody decisions work and what to expect when applying through the courts.
Changing a Child's Surname
When parents disagree about changing a child's surname, you'll need consent from everyone with parental responsibility and a legal deed poll document.
Child Support Act
The Child Support Act of 1991 requires separated or divorced parents to pay maintenance for their children, with legal consequences for non-payment.
Child Surrogacy and the Law
Surrogacy is illegal in the UK, but many women still become surrogates each year, here's what the law actually says.
Contact Orders and How They Affect Parents
Contact orders set visiting schedules between separated parents and their children when they can't agree on time together.
Dismissal Because of Pregnancy?
If you've been fired or mistreated at work because you're pregnant, you have legal rights and options in the UK.
Family Proceedings Court
The Family Proceedings Court handles child welfare, custody, maintenance and contact disputes in an informal setting designed to protect children.
Flexible Working and the Law
You can request flexible working if you care for a child or adult, but your employer can still say no even if you legally qualify.
Paying Maintenance or Child Support
If you're paying maintenance or child support, here's what you need to know about arrangements, payments and what happens if you fall behind.
Prohibited Steps Orders
A Prohibited Steps Order stops parents from taking children on trips or leaving the area without the other parent's permission.
Single Parents' Rights
Single parents can claim financial support from the other parent and get help from local authorities for housing, clothing, and education costs.
The Law on Paternity and Maternity Leave
UK workers have rights to 52 weeks maternity leave and paternity leave, but many don't know what they're entitled to or how it works.
The Laws on Dependency Leave for Parents
You're entitled to reasonable time off work when a dependent has an emergency, but what counts as one and how much time you get depends on the situation.
The Rights of Working Parents
UK working parents have legal rights to flexible hours, paid leave, and other protections to balance work and childcare.
Understanding Residence Orders
A Child Arrangements Order decides where your children live after separation or divorce and who has parental responsibility for them.
What Are the Legal Rights of a Father?
Fathers only get parental responsibility in specific situations, and mothers automatically have it regardless of whether the father is involved.
What Are the Rights of Foster Parents?
Foster parents provide day-to-day care but have limited legal rights, with the Local Authority holding responsibility for the child's wellbeing.
Your Rights as a Grandparent
What legal rights do grandparents have to maintain contact with their grandchildren after family breakdown.
Your Rights as a Guardian
What you need to know about your legal responsibilities and rights as a guardian for children.