What about the kids?

Are you unmarried with kids? Well, you're not alone. Over a quarter of all children born now have unmarried parents. But are you sure what your rights are? Or what they would be if you split up with their other parent? See our guide, What about the kids? (180 KB), for the full lowdown on how the law affects your relationship with your children.

What about the kids? (180 KB) covers parental responsibility, and what you need to know about residence, contact and child support if you ever/have split up with their other parent. Our guide also explains how to protect your children in case you were to die.

Who is this guide for?

Unmarried parents.

What about step-parents?

There are different rules for step-parents. These are explained in each section of the guide in separate paragraphs, labelled ‘For step-parents’. If you are married to, in a civil partnership with, or living with someone who has children from a previous relationship, this information is for you.

Who isn’t covered by the information in the guide?

• adoptive parents
• people with special guardianship