Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)
Official logos of the 'Home Office' and publisher 'TSO' (The Stationery Office)

Family life

 

Marriage and civil partnership

Many people decide to make their relationship official by getting married or making a civil partnership. There are legal requirements you’ll need to understand, including if you want a religious ceremony.

 

Living together

If you and your partner live together you don’t have the same rights as people who are married or have a civil partnership.

 

Forced marriage

In the UK you can’t be forced to marry if you don’t want to. Marriages can be arranged, but both partners must agree. Registrars, who carry out civil weddings, are trained to look out for situations where they feel that either the bride or groom doesn’t want to get married.

 

Domestic violence and abuse

If you’re violent or abusive towards your partner, whether they’re male or female, you’re committing a serious offence. If you’re being abused, there are several places to get help.

The police are responsible for investigating any criminal offences.

 

Divorce and ending a civil partnership

If you wish to end your marriage or civil partnership, you’ll need to be aware of the legal requirements.

If you have young children, or if there are problems over money or property, you should get advice from a solicitor.

 

Looking after your children

Parents are responsible for looking after their child or children until they reach the age of 18, even if they separate or divorce. This includes providing a home, choosing their education and disciplining them.

Financial responsibility

You have a responsibility to look after your children financially, regardless of your marital status.

Control

You can, by law, use reasonable force to discipline a child. If you go too far, you’ll be prosecuted for assault. Any smack or punishment that leaves clear marks, welts, bruises or scratches is a prosecutable offence and you could face a lengthy period in jail. Your child may be taken into the care of the local authority.

Help

Many voluntary organisations and local authorities offer parenting courses as well as support and advice on being a parent. There are also organisations which will help you if you need to discuss problems with bringing up children.

Protecting children

Children have the right to protection if they’re in danger. Local authorities have a legal duty to make sure that children come to no harm. The interests of the child must come first. The local authority will try to work with the family, but if there are still safety concerns the child may be moved to a children’s home or put into the care of foster parents. This is only done in an emergency or when all other options have failed.

Medical advice and treatment for children and young people

If your children are younger than 16 years old, you’re responsible for their medical care. You will need to sign consent forms for any surgery. Once they are 16, as long as the nurse or doctor feels sure that they understand what’s involved, they don’t need parental consent.

Contraceptive advice and treatment is available to girls under the age of 16 if the doctor thinks that they understand the issues. The doctor will usually encourage the girl to talk to her parents.

Leaving children on their own

There is no law against leaving your children alone at home when they’re under 16. You’re trusted to use common sense in deciding whether a younger child will be safe on their own. If something goes wrong, however, you may be held responsible for not looking after them properly.

You will find childminders and nurseries everywhere across the country. They must be registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in the UK. It is a criminal offence, treated as child abuse, and carries a heavy penalty. Anyone who performs FGM can face up to 14 years in prison. Anyone found guilty of failing to protect a girl from FGM can face up to seven years in prison.

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