Parental Responsibility Agreements

A Parental Responsibility Agreement (PRA) is a formal written agreement between an unmarried mother and a father that grants parental responsibility to the father. It is an alternative to applying to the court for a Parental Responsibility Order.

The agreement must be made on the official form prescribed by the Family Procedure Rules, and both parents must sign it in the presence of a witness (typically a Justice of the Peace or court officer). The signed form is then filed at the Principal Registry of the Family Division to make it legally effective.

Once made, a Parental Responsibility Agreement cannot easily be undone. It remains in force unless revoked by a court order, which requires the court to be satisfied that ending the parental responsibility arrangement is in the child’s best interests.

PRAs are also available to step-parents who are married to or in a civil partnership with a parent who already holds parental responsibility. This allows a step-parent to formally share in the legal responsibilities of raising a child — provided the other biological parent (if they have PR) also consents.

Before entering into a PRA, both parties should understand the full implications of the agreement. Parental responsibility is a significant legal status, and the decision should not be taken lightly.

Terence Ray Solicitors advises parents on whether a PRA is appropriate and guides them through the process of completing and filing the agreement.

Call 020 3367 1430 or email info@trsolicitors.co.uk.