Parental responsibility..... Do I need to apply and If so.. How?

I was with my ex partner for 12 years. We have a gorgeous 9 year old son, who was born in 1998 and who we both love to bits. We recently seperated and although I am on my sons bith certificate and have always ben a major part of his life, and still am, I was informed that I am not my sons legal gaurdian and do not have joint parental responsibility with his mum.

Is this true and if so how do I apply to become his joint legal gaurdian?

[tbyte]

Yes, at least in my State, an unmarried mother is presumed to have full custody of her child. An unmarried father has not legal rights until granted by a court.
You do not file for guardianship. You file for a shared parenting arrangement.
Do NOT allow her to hold onto full custody. Document your involvement with the child and get a shared parenting agreement.

Originally Posted by tbyte

Yes, at least in my State, an unmarried mother is presumed to have full custody of her child. An unmarried father has not legal rights until granted by a court.
You do not file for guardianship. You file for a shared parenting arrangement.
Do NOT allow her to hold onto full custody. Document your involvement with the child and get a shared parenting agreement.

Thank you for replying. I'm just worried that thing's might change in the future and I don't want to be caught napping. She says it's not necessary but i'm his father and feel that now we're not together that this is something that I need to do.

[tbyte]

She's absolutely correct. It is unnecessary....for her.
This is the point in your relationships where you stop taking advice from her on what is best for you.

Originally Posted by tbyte

She's absolutely correct. It is unnecessary....for her.
This is the point in your relationships where you stop taking advice from her on what is best for you.

Your right..... I suppose deep down I never wanted it to come to this, but now it has I need to get it sorted.