Parental responsibility

[FakeSnow]

Do i have sole parental responsibility? I had an appointment for my son today she asked if I had sole parental responsibility, I explained no it was shared and she asked if father had given permission for appointment, I said no as we have no contact and haven’t for years but he is on the birth certificate, she said that means I have sole parental responsibility as im the one making the day to day decisions, is that right? Do I just say yes in future as it is awkward having to tell people he is not involved, what do others say?

I don't think I've ever been asked that. But I'd just say yes.

I could be wrong but I suspet that technically he still has PR. On a day to day basis, I can't imagine anyone is going to question you making decisions but it might be worth getting it formalised at some point via the court o that theree's no confusion later?

Not fussed about a court order so won’t be getting one just wondered as I usually say I am
not sole responsibility but she said i am if I am
the one making day to day decisions and he is not around so would be easier to just say yes rather than having to explain.

Me too.

It gets asked at certain appointments if your child has certain medical conditions, I’ve been asked quite a few times.

If the father is named on the birth certificate but hasnt seen the child in 5+ years they have no parental responsibility until they have gone to crt to get it back as the law assumes that they voluntarily relinquish it by being absent for that period of time.

@FakeSnow this isn't true at all. Parental responsibilty can't be removed in the uk without a court order however long the absence. However, if they have had no direct involvement in the child's life long term in practice I would opt for sole responsibility in the sort of situation you're talking about just because it's more practical.

Well you might want to take that up with the family crts because thats exactly what they said to my friends ex

In the UK parental responsibility can only be removed by the courts, this includes where a parent voluntarily gives up PR.

Id reply to the question with “I’ve been a loan parent for 10 years, and make all of the medical decisions with DS, but his bio dad is on the birth certificate”

As pp says - a court has to remove PR and even in most cases of extreme abuse fathers retain it.

@Hoardasurass exactly. A court order. Not default.

Oh ok thanks all I will continue saying that it’s shared responsibility then as thats what I usually say.