Step parents

If you're a step parent you don't have the legal right to make choices about a stepchild. It doesn't matter if you're married to the child's parent or not.

You can get the legal right to make choices about a stepchild if you're given parental responsibilities and rights by a court.

You should talk to a solicitor if you want to apply to a court for parental responsibilities and rights.

If you're splitting up with your partner and can't agree

If you can't agree about what to do, you can get help from a family mediator.