What is parental responsibility, and who has it?
The legal status carrying the rights, duties and authority a parent has in relation to a child — and it is distinct from both biological parenthood and from who the child lives with, which is the source of most confusion.
What it actually allows. Someone with parental responsibility can consent to medical treatment, choose and apply to schools, agree to a name change, apply for a passport, consent to travel abroad, and be consulted on major decisions. Day-to-day decisions are made by whoever is caring for the child at the time.
Who has it automatically in England and Wales:
The mother, always, from birth.
The father, if married to the mother at the time of birth — or if he is named on the birth certificate for births registered after the relevant date.
A second female parent in equivalent circumstances.
Who can acquire it: by a parental responsibility agreement, by court order, by marrying the mother, by re-registering the birth, by a step-parent agreement or order, through a child arrangements order, or by adoption — which transfers it permanently.
More than two people can hold it at once. A local authority holds it under a care order alongside the parents; a step-parent can acquire it without anyone losing theirs.
What it does not decide. It does not determine where a child lives or how much time they spend with each parent — those are separate questions, settled by agreement or by a child arrangements order.
It does not end at separation, and it does not depend on paying maintenance.
Where it bites in practice:
Consent for medical treatment — one holder can usually consent, but some decisions require all, or a court.
Taking a child abroad without the consent of everyone with parental responsibility can be a serious offence, even for a holiday.
Schools must deal with all holders, including one the child does not live with.
Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. General information, not legal advice.