those who are step-parents maybe be surprised that you don't automatically have parental responsibility for your step children.

having parental responsibility as a step-parent allows you to be involved in decisions relating to the child's schooling, medical treatment, religion, whether they can marry (if they are under the age of 18), and how the child is disciplined

Were the child to be involved in an accident, and need medical treatment, were their other parents unavailable, you would not have the right to make decisions about how the child was treated in their absence.

With regard to discipline, only an adult with parental responsibility may smack a child. For parties with parental responsibility there exists a defence in law of reasonable chastisement. For any other person, no such defence exists, and they could be charged with assault..

You can gain parental responsibility for your step-child in a number of ways

1. By being named in a Residence Order


2. By applying to the Court for a Parental Responsibility Order


3. By entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement

You can gain parental responsibility for your step-child by entering into a voluntary, formal arrangement with all of the other people who have parental responsibility for the child.

this is a legally binding agreement registered with the Court and doesn't involve Social Services.

4. By applying to the Court to formally adopt your step-child

this would involve Social services, could be costly and take time.


A Parental Responsibility Agreement looks to be pretty straight forward, doesn't cost much, i think £8 !!, and doesn't involve Social services, and is legally binding until the child is 18. might be the way to go for many on here

Before you take any actions, seek legal advice before entering into any agreement.