Peter Andre is understood to have issued court papers seeking ‘custody’ of his and Katie Price’s children. It is thought that Peter has made an application for the residence of both children following allegations that daughter Princess was burnt during a recent holiday to Klosters...... Joyti Henchie, Partner and Head of the Family department at Attwaters solicitors discusses the legal implications of parental responsibility (PR).
Peter and Katie seem to have made various criticisms that have reached the public domain about each other’s parenting style and ability to look after their children, Princess and Junior – this is all too common when ex-partners encounter relationship difficulties. In the child’s best interests, such matters need to be resolved as amicably as possible - something I will always promote.
Peter has reportedly stated that Katie did not inform him of Princess’s burn despite him having parental responsibility for both his children. Parental responsibility, or PR, is automatically granted to the mother upon the birth of a child, but the father acquires PR either upon being named as father on the child’s birth certificate or by being married to (or subsequently marrying) the child’s mother. This rule was introduced for children’s births registered after December 2003. Before this date, a father has PR for their child only through marriage, or written agreement by the parties or by order of the court. So, it’s worth checking where you legally stand!
PR gives parents a vital say in their child’s lives, particularly in relation to schooling and medical treatment. Married as they are, both Katie and Peter have parental responsibility, meaning that she should have informed him of Princess’ injury.
Sadly, as sometimes happens (and allegedly in this case), the police or social services may be called to investigate whether the injury was sustained purely by accident or whether it was as a result of inadequate supervision of the child (or, on a most rare occasion, non-accidental). This is a horrible thing for parents to go through, but is a necessary course of action to protect children.
When a family relationship breaks down real lives, young and older, are affected. We aim to offer invaluable support, dealing with matters in the least confrontational way to achieve the best result – after all, Courts do take the view that parents are the best people to take decisions about their children.
