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Parental Responsibility Solicitors Essex
Understanding parental responsibility can feel confusing, especially when parents are separated or communication has become difficult. Our Parental Responsibility solicitors in Essex provide clear advice and sensitive support to help you formalise your legal rights. We guide you through agreements and orders that protect your role in your child’s life.
Do you need clarity about your parental rights and responsibilities?
Many parents come to us feeling responsible yet unsure about their legal position. You may be anxious about decisions involving your child or hopeful about formalising your involvement. Parental responsibility covers important areas such as education, medical treatment and day-to-day welfare. Our Family Law Team in Essex explains your rights clearly and helps you understand whether a parental responsibility agreement or court order is needed. We support you through each step with calm and practical guidance.
Formalising Parental Responsibility
You want to formalise your legal rights as a parent through a parental responsibility agreement.
Gaining Parental Responsibility
You are not named on the birth certificate and need advice on how to gain parental responsibility.
Understanding PR Agreements vs PR Orders
You want to understand the difference between a parental responsibility agreement and a parental responsibility order.
Clarity on Your Role in Important Decisions
You feel excluded from important decisions and want clarity on your legal position.
Preparing a Child-Focused Agreement
You need help preparing an agreement that reflects your child’s needs and your parental role.
Speak to our team
Jessica Thrower
Member and Head of Family
Jaspreet Burrha
Associate Solicitor
Esra Dogan
Associate Solicitor
Jenny Waite
Family Law Associate
Alison Brotherton
Consultant
Callie Collins
Solicitor
Parental Responsibility Agreements Services
We help parents across Essex understand and secure parental responsibility. Whether through an agreement or a court order, our Family Law Team provides clear advice and supportive guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Parental responsibility agreements
We prepare clear and practical agreements that formalise your involvement in decisions affecting your child.
Parental responsibility orders
When agreement is not possible, we support you in applying to the court for legal recognition of your role.
Advice for unmarried parents
We explain rights when parents are not married and help you understand how to secure legal recognition.
Birth certificate guidance
We advise on whether adding a parent to the birth certificate grants parental responsibility.
Negotiation support
We help you communicate with the other parent and encourage cooperative decision making.
Review of existing arrangements
We assess current agreements or orders and support updates where circumstances change.
Jessica Thrower
Member and Head of Family
Reach out when you’re ready – we’re here to help you secure your parental rights.
Make an enquiry
Why choose Mullis & Peake
Parental responsibility is about ensuring your voice is recognised in decisions that shape your child’s life. Our Essex-based Family Law Team provides clear explanations and steady support for parents seeking agreements or orders. We take time to understand your situation, outline achievable steps and help you secure legal recognition of your parental role.
Clear legal guidance
We explain your rights in simple terms and advise whether an agreement or court order is most appropriate.
Supportive communication
We approach sensitive situations with empathy and help you navigate conversations with the other parent where possible.
Experienced in complex cases
We assist parents facing disputes, communication breakdowns or uncertainty about legal status.
Child-focused approach
We ensure decisions reflect your child’s welfare and support long-term cooperation wherever possible.
Frequently asked questions
Parental responsibility gives a parent the legal right to be involved in important decisions about their child. This includes education, medical treatment, religion and everyday welfare. It does not determine where a child lives but ensures you have a recognised role in their upbringing. If you do not currently have parental responsibility, there are several ways to obtain it, including agreements and court orders. We help you understand which route is most appropriate and guide you through the process.
Mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers usually have it if they were married to the mother or are named on the birth certificate after a certain date. If you do not have it, we explain your options for securing legal recognition.
Yes. A parental responsibility agreement requires signatures from the mother and the person applying for parental responsibility. If agreement is not possible, you may apply for a parental responsibility order instead. We guide you through both options.
An agreement is a voluntary document signed by both parents, while an order is granted by the court when agreement cannot be reached. Both give the same legal rights. We help you understand which option is appropriate for your situation.
Timescales vary depending on whether you pursue an agreement or a court order. Agreements are usually quicker, while orders depend on court availability. We help you prepare thoroughly and keep the process moving efficiently.
It is rare and only happens in exceptional circumstances. Courts focus on the child’s welfare when considering any changes. We explain your options and provide guidance if concerns arise about how parental responsibility is being exercised.
Get in touch with our Parental Responsibility Agreements team
If you are in Essex and need support with parental responsibility agreements or orders, our Family Law Team is ready to help. We provide calm, confidential advice that protects your relationship with your child.
Specialist expertise
– Solicitors experienced in parental responsibility.
Fast, confidential advice
– Supportive guidance when you need it most.
No-obligation consultation
– Talk to us first and understand your options.
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