An application for a parental responsibility order may be made to the family proceedings court, the county court or the high court.
The application should be made on a C1 Form (if there have not already been legal proceedings about the child) or a C2 Form (if there have already been legal proceedings). Both forms can be obtained at local county courts, family proceedings courts or at www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk
If a C1 Form is used it must be completed and sent to the family proceedings court, if a C2 Form is used it must be lodged at a county court.
Guidance notes are available by clicking here
Parental responsibility is awarded to unmarried fathers in the majority of cases and is only refused in exceptional circumstances, such as where a father poses a risk to his child.
The courts consider the following factors as important in deciding whether to grant a parental responsibility order:
- Does the father have commitment and attachment to the child?
- Does the father have genuine reasons for applying for the order?
Sometimes a Family Court Reporter can be asked to interview the parents in order to make a decision. The court may also request evidence from other relevant persons.
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