This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland

If you enter into a civil partnership, you will become the step-parent of your partner's children. This will not give you automatic parental responsibility for the children, but you can then get it by making a formal parental responsibility agreement with your partner, if she agrees. This means you'd share with your partner in the responsibility for your children's health, education and welfare. If the children's father also has parental responsibility, he'll have to agree to you having parental responsibility too. In some cases, for example, if you can't agree, you could apply to court for a parental responsibility order instead. The court would then decide whether giving you parental responsibility would be in the interests of the children.

If you do get parental responsibility, whether by an agreement or a court order, it means you'll have a duty to provide financially for the children. It would also give you the right to keep up direct and regular contact with the children if you and your partner separate.

You can also get parental responsibility by adopting your partner's child. The child must have been living with you and your partner for at least six months.

For more information about responsibility for children and civil partnerships, in England and Wales see Civil partnerships and living together – legal differences.

Other Frequently asked questions about family matters:

• How can I get away from my violent partner?
• We've just split up - can I still see my children?
• Can I change my name?
• I've changed gender - can it be recognised by law?
• At what age can I legally drink alcohol and smoke?
• How do I go about getting a divorce?