Parental responsibility and the doctors

[carl26]

I am a seperated Father and my son was born 3 1/2 years ago, before fathers had automatic parental rights. As far as im aware this means that i cannot take my son to the doctors

My son keeps on getting a rash on his back, that last week had impetigo set in. He was given antibiotics and it cleared up. I have questioned my ex on the rash constantly, and she blames the fact he comes to my house? or my garden - basically, with anything that gos wrong with him, its my fault. I would like to have my son checked over medically, for the rash and in general, is it possible? or is what i believe to be true with regards to parental responsibility true?

[Eejit]

no it's not true. my ex has taken my sons to the doctors and he has no parental rights. All you would have to do is make an appointment for him at his excisting doctors surgery. Parental rights means that your ex would not be allowed to take the child out of the country without your permission or the doctors do not need your consent to perform operations etc. Why don't you apply for parental rights? It's quite straight forward.

[RATTER14]

No one is going to arrest you for taking son to Doctor, may upset the X though, you may need a doctor when she finds out, good luck

[curiosity]

We are in a similar position as we are not married however we did mean to be before the 15 yearold was born! we also have a 14 and 6 year old. Actually the GPs probably won't bother to ask you, the receptionist will assume that it's all OK. However legally it isn't, if say their Dad took them for a vaccination and they done it, without me signing then technically it's illegal. I obviously wouldn't kick off about it. This is becoming more of a thing lately, he has managed to sign consent forms for school trips etc for years, but one in January this year was sent out with questions about who actually has Parental responsibility, so it's getting a bit harder, however you have only your son's interests at heart and even though it might not be "legal" no court in this land would disagree with your actions! The "welfare of the child is paramount" states the Children act and your actions fit perfectly. Good Luck

[JustSia]

Considering the things your ex brings up against you, I wouldn't do it . You can only take him to the doctors if you have your ex's consent. In the case of an emergency you would still have to inform your ex, so doing it on a side would only cause problems. As Eejit said apply for PR, it is very straightforward and the Courts grant it almost automatically.

Have you thought about doing a health assesment on your house? In case your ex decides to play dirty it'd show how serious you are about your son's wellbeing.

Also with the heat wave read up on how to keep your kid cool. It can improve his skin condition dramatically.

Good luck and go and get that parental responsibility order, NOW!!!

[total novice]

You have no parental responsibility which makes that very difficult. My husband has the same trouble with his two sons. He cant have their school reports or see his headteacher but when they have been ill we have took them to the hospital.

This is a awkward postion to be in as a parent. There are two options, you can both sign a letter stating that she gives you parental responsilbity or go to a solicitor and a form can be signed by both parties. Myself i would see a solicitor and make sure.