Parental Responsibility (PR) refers to the legal rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities that a parent holds in relation to their child. This encompasses the authority to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, including matters related to education, healthcare, and religion, as well as providing day-to-day care and ensuring their well-being.

In most legal systems, both parents automatically have parental responsibility if they are married or in a civil partnership at the time of the child’s birth. For unmarried parents, the mother automatically has parental responsibility, while the father may acquire it through formal recognition, marriage, or through a court order.

Parental responsibility is not just about making decisions but also about protecting the child’s rights, supporting their development, and ensuring they are raised in a safe, supportive environment. In cases of separation or divorce, both parents usually retain their parental responsibility, although practical arrangements for care may change.