where do we stand

[coolmum]

as a single mother of three who has met a new partner... i just wondered where he stood with my children? can he assume parental responsibility ? are there any circumstances in which he could adopt the children? does there father have any rights? thanks

[madrid4]

Hi, yes the father definitely has rights. Your partner has no parental rights whatsoever unless the father gives up his rights completely and you and your partner go for adoption. By the way, to go for adoption you and your partner have to be married for a few years first and you have to BOTH adopt the children as a married couple. Weird I know, as a mother to have to adopt her own kids.

[Ethel]

Was you married to the father of the children?

[coolmum]

coolmum :i wasn't married to the father of my kids! does this make a difference?

[pilla_uk]

Ignore the first answer, it is incorrect. If you were unmarried the father has no automatic parental responsibility unless his name is on the birth certificate of any children born after April 2003. Prior to this the father can only acquire PR by agreement with you or court order.