Parents, guardians and caregivers
Explaining the Care of Children Act and what happens if there is a dispute
What this chapter covers
- Guardianship of children
Who a child’s guardians are, the responsibilities of guardians and the different types of guardians - Paternity
How paternity (fatherhood) can be legally decided - Abortion (“Termination”)
The rules around when you can get an abortion, including who makes the decision and how - Adoption
Who can adopt and be adopted, the laws around consent and the court process for getting an adoption order - Surrogacy and IVF
Becoming a parent via surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, or IVF - The Family Court
An overview of the Family Court and its processes, including the types of cases it deals with - Care arrangements when parents have separated
Making your own agreement for day-to-day care (custody) of your children if you’re splitting up, and going to the Family Court for a parenting order if you can’t agree - Relocation disputes and international child abduction
Resolving disputes with your ex-partner about where your child will live and what you can do if you’re worried your ex wants to take your child out of the country - Child support
When a parent is responsible for paying child support and how the amount is calculated - Where to go for more support
Other information and resources