Are you a step-parent?

A step-parent does not automatically acquire parental responsibility for a child, when marrying that child’s parents.

‘Parental responsibility’ is all the rights, duties and responsibilities that a parent has in respect of their child.  The mother of a child always has parental responsibility.  The father of a child, if married to the mother at the time of, or after, the birth of the child, also has parental responsibility. 

Once a step-parent has parental responsibility she/he has equal legal rights, duties and responsibilities for that child, together with other persons already having parental responsibility.

Do you know if you have any rights in respect of your spouse’s children from a previous relationship?

If you would like further advice on parental responsibility and your rights as a step-parent call us on 0115 955 3444 to make an appointment with an advisor from our friendly Family Department team.  Alternatively use our ‘Contact’ page to send us your details and we will be pleased to contact you.