Do people with parental responsibility have to agree?

In most cases, decisions can be taken by one parental responsibility holder. It is not always necessary to seek the consent of another person if they have parental responsibility. For example a school will only need consent from one person with parental responsibility to take the child on a school trip. If the other parent strongly objects, they could seek a prohibited steps order from court to prevent this taking place, but it is highly unlikely to succeed.

Where there is a major decision to be made about the child’s life, all those with parental responsibility will need to agree. For example, if one parent wants to change the name of the child, or move abroad with the child or have the child put up for adoption, all those with parental responsibility must agree.

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