Unmarried Fathers’ Rights

Being an unmarried father can feel uncertain, especially when it comes to your legal rights and responsibilities. Whether you want to secure regular contact, have a voice in important decisions, or resolve disputes with the other parent, understanding your position under the law is vital.

At Macks Solicitors, we’re here to help fathers across England and Wales protect their relationship with their children. Our team gives clear, practical advice and works towards fair, child-focused arrangements.

Free Initial Discussion

For a free initial discussion, call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

Do Unmarried Fathers Have Parental Responsibility?

Parental responsibility is the legal authority to make key decisions about your child’s upbringing, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Where they live

If you weren’t married to the child’s mother when they were born, you have parental responsibility if:

• You’re named on the birth certificate (for births registered after 1 December 2003 in England & Wales)
• You’ve entered into a formal parental responsibility agreement with the mother
• You’ve obtained a parental responsibility order from the court

Don’t have parental responsibility yet?

We can guide you through the process so you can play a full role in your child’s life.

What If I Don’t Have Parental Responsibility?

Without it, you have no automatic legal say in important decisions, even if you’re closely involved in your child’s care.

We can help you:

• Reach an agreement with the child’s mother
• Apply to court for a parental responsibility order
• Combine this with other applications (such as a child arrangements order)

For a free initial discussion, call our specialist family team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

Can I See My Child Without Parental Responsibility?

Yes. But if you and the mother cannot agree on contact, you may need to apply to court for a child arrangements order. This can set out:

• Where your child lives
• How much time they spend with each parent

Our team can help you negotiate contact or represent you in court to achieve a fair outcome.

What If the Mother Stops Me Seeing My Child?

If you’re being denied contact, you still have options. We can support you with:

• Negotiating an agreement
• Using mediation to reach a resolution
• Applying to court for an order to protect your relationship with your child

Can I Change My Child’s Surname?

A child’s surname cannot be changed without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order.

If you wish to object to a change, we can act on your behalf through the correct legal process.

Let’s Talk

Call us on 01642 843 671 or use our online contact form to get started. We’ll listen, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Macks Solicitors proudly serve clients across England and Wales, with offices in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Redcar and Harrogate.