Parental Responsibility

It is important to understand your rights, duties and responsibilities as a parent in relation to your children. Please contact us and we can help you.

Putting your children first

When separating, difficulties can arise regarding the children and we’re here to help. Our team of family solicitors are here to advise and offer practical solutions for your specific situation. We will always put you and your family’s priorities first.

Two parents walking through a field holding hands with their child.

Clear guidance for families

It is important for you to understand how parental responsibility applies to you and the other party. We have experience in dealing with a wide range of different families. Our aim is to guide you and help you appreciate what your rights and responsibilities are as clearly and simply as possible. This will help you to approach any problems you are facing with more strength and knowledge.

We appreciate that agreeing the arrangements for children can be difficult. Disputes between adults can have a profound effect on children but this can be avoided. It starts with knowledge and using the appropriate resources that are available to help families. Most people want a fair outcome and hope to avoid conflict. Whatever your circumstances, we will support you with a sensitive, step-by-step approach and clear, realistic advice.

What to expect

We will need to meet with you to discuss your case so we can obtain key information and to agree on the next steps. This will take around an hour.

When we have the correct information and detailed background we will write to the other party. We will use clear and simple language to start negotiations and to reach an early agreement. If this is not possible, we will advise you of the appropriate next steps.

Fathers do not have parental responsibility if they are not named on the birth certificate. This can be easily remedied by agreement with mum or, if necessary, an application to Court. Whatever situation applies to you, we will guide you every step of the way.

Our commitments to you

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

We look after you

We understand that you’re going through a tough time, and we’re here to support you through it.

Our lawyers are available to talk to you whenever you need it.

We keep you informed

It can be stressful waiting for information.

We don’t keep you waiting. As soon as we have progress, we let you know straight away.

We help you understand

Legal matters can be complex.

We’ll explain everything to you and guide you through the process so that you know what’s happening.

Our process

Our team of experienced family solicitors are ready to help you.

1.

Book your free 30-minute consultation

2.

We’ll prepare a tailored cost estimate

3.

We’ll have our first meeting to discuss your case (up to 1 hour)

4.

We’ll analyse your case and provide written advice, with options where appropriate

5.

We’ll discuss the options with you and agree the best way forward

6.

We’ll start your case based on our agreed action plan

Fees

  • We offer a free initial telephone or video meeting to discuss your situation and provide a bespoke estimate.

    Our fees vary from case to case and are tailored to your individual circumstances.

  • Child-related matters handled without going to court From £2,100 (including VAT)

    Typical examples:

    Negotiating parenting arrangements

    Mediation support

    Drafting agreements between parents

  • Child-related matters that go through the courts From £4,200 (including VAT)

    Typical examples:

    Child arrangements – who the child lives with and sees

    Parental responsibility disputes – disagreements over key decisions (e.g. school or medical care)

    Prohibited Steps Orders – stops a parent doing something (e.g. taking a child abroad)

Testimonials

I have called upon Rebecca’s expertise a number of times over the years and have done so once again recently. There’s no one else I would recommend in relation to family matters. Her experience, practical advice and just overall confidence and expertise immediately puts you at ease in the knowledge that you’re in very good hands. With many thanks.

AnonymousMarch 2026

I can’t thank Alison enough for her help with my financial settlement. She handled everything professionally and kept me reassured throughout the whole process. Alison was friendly, supportive, and made a complicated situation feel much easier and far less stressful. She dealt with every challenge brilliantly. I’m genuinely grateful for all her work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her

AnonymousMarch 2026

Donata showed real sensitivity to our situation (testator with chronic illness) and flexibility to visiting different locations, (hospital, home) and at short notices too. This did not go unnoticed and was appreciated.

She also listened to the client well, which swung us to favour Rucklidge’s over the alternative firm that we spoke to; seeking to understand the client’s unique situation, rather than jumping to a proposed solution as soon as possible.

Fee transparency was valued too.

AnonymousMarch 2026
See more tesimonials …

Get in touch.

Book your free 30-minute consultation now.