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Parental Responsibility in Haringey and UK Law
Parental Responsibility (PR) is a key legal concept under the Children Act 1989. It refers to all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities, and authority that a parent of a child has in relation to the child and their property.
It is less about the parent’s ‘rights’ and more about their legal duties towards the child’s upbringing and welfare.
Speak to Capitol Family Mediation on 0208 719 0001 or click below to arrange a callback from our mediation experts.
What Parental Responsibility Means in Practice
A person with Parental Responsibility has the legal authority to make important, long-term decisions about the child’s life. When two or more people have PR, they must generally agree on these major decisions, even if one parent is the child’s main carer.
Key areas covered by Parental Responsibility include the authority to:
- Provide a Home: Deciding where the child will live.
- Education: Choosing the child’s school and being involved in their education.
- Medical Treatment: Consenting to medical treatment or operations.
- Religious Upbringing: Determining the child’s religious education and upbringing.
- Name Change: Agreeing to or preventing a change of the child’s surname.
- Travel Abroad: Consenting to the child being taken out of the UK for an extended period or permanent move (though temporary holiday consent is often complex).
- Safeguarding: Protecting and maintaining the child.
Who Automatically Has Parental Responsibility?
Mother – Parental Responsibility is acquired automatically.
No further action is required.
Father (Married to the Mother at the Time of Birth or Later) – Parental Responsibility is acquired automatically. No further action is required.
Father (Unmarried to the Mother) – Parental Responsibility is only automatic if the father is named on the child’s birth certificate (for births registered since December 2003). If Parental Responsibility is not automatic, it can be acquired by:
Entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement signed by both parents.
Applying to the Family Court for a Parental Responsibility Order.
Being named in a Child Arrangements Order as the person the child lives with.
Step-Parent – Parental Responsibility is not automatic. It can be obtained by:
A Step-Parental Responsibility Agreement with all existing holders of Parental Responsibility, or
Applying to the Family Court for a Parental Responsibility Order.
Parental Responsibility in Haringey
In Haringey, the principles of Parental Responsibility become critically important when the Local Authority (Children’s Services) becomes involved with a child, for example, under a Child Protection Plan or in care proceedings.
- If Haringey Children’s Services accommodates a child under a Section 20 Agreement, the parents retain full Parental Responsibility, though they share day-to-day care with the Local Authority.
- If the court grants a Care Order to Haringey Council, the Council will then share Parental Responsibility with the parents. This gives the Council the right to make decisions to safeguard the child’s welfare, and their right takes precedence over the parents’ if there is a conflict.
If you are a parent in Haringey and have concerns about decisions being made regarding your child’s welfare, especially with the involvement of the local authority, it is crucial to seek legal advice quickly to understand your rights and duties under your Parental Responsibility.
Family Court Contact Details for Haringey
There is no specific Family Court building located within the London Borough of Haringey, cases for residents of Haringey are typically handled by the nearest principal Family Court in London. This is generally the Central Family Court for complex or serious matters, or the Edmonton County Court and Family Court for regional cases.
Court Name: Edmonton County Court and Family Court
Address: Fore Street, Edmonton, London, N18 2TN
Public Phone: 0300 123 5577 (main national number for all Family Court enquiries)
Alternative Phone: 020 8807 1971 (court-specific number; may be for limited use)
Family Queries Email: family@edmonton.countycourt.gsi.gov.uk
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, generally 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you need to issue new family proceedings, you should check the GOV.UK website or call the public phone number to confirm which court is currently handling new applications for Haringey residents.
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Capitol Family Mediation - Supporting Families Around Family Law Disputes
Capitol Mediation Haringey supports individuals and families across the borough, where family law matters are typically handled by the Edmonton County Court and Family Court or other designated London family courts, depending on the type of application. These courts deal with matters including child arrangements, divorce, domestic abuse, and financial remedies.
Mediation provides a structured and impartial process to help families resolve disputes without the need for prolonged or adversarial court proceedings. It supports constructive communication, reduces conflict, and often leads to quicker and more cost-effective outcomes.
Capitol Mediation Haringey works with families to reach practical, child-focused agreements that can be formalised by the court where required.
Call our team on 0208 719 0001 to find out more about mediation support in Haringey.