Parent and Child in United Kingdom

Parent and Child Modern Law

Introduction to Parent and Child

The legal relationships of parent and child established under common law have been modified by statute in Britain and the U.S. In general, such statutes provide that a married woman is a joint guardian of her children with her husband, with equal powers, rights, and duties. Either parent has the right to custody of the children of the marriage, and in a divorce or separation the court can award custody to the parent best qualified and able to care for the children. Parents must provide for their children such necessities of life as food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care; if they cannot or will not, state laws authorize intervention by designated authorities to ensure that children’s needs are met. Children who are physically or emotionally abused by their parents may be the subject of legal action in order to protect the children. Parents’ rights to custody of their children may be limited or, in extreme cases, terminated because of failure to provide adequate care. Laws require a father to support his minor children if he is able to do so, whether or not he has ever been married to their mother. Failure to provide support may result in civil or criminal proceedings against him. If paternity has been admitted or established, laws permit children to inherit from their father’s estate unless specifically excluded in his will.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Parent and Child

About Divorce

Divorce, Divorce History, Divorce Reform, Divorce in the World and Divorce in the United States.