This information applies to Scotland

If you treat your partner's children as members of your own family, you have a duty to safeguard their health, development and welfare. This is the case whether you form a civil partnership or not.

However, if you wish to obtain formal parental rights and responsibilities towards your partner's children, you will have to apply to court. The court will make an order giving you parental responsibility if it decides that this is in the best interests of the children. This is the case if you enter into a civil partnership or not.

If you do get a parental responsibility 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 girlfriend separate.

See also Living together and civil partnership: legal differences.

Other Frequently asked questions about family and personal issues:

• How can I get away from my violent partner?
• Can I change my name back to my maiden name, or to any other name?
• My partner and I have separated and our children are staying with her. What rights do I have to see them?
• 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?
• I am in a same-sex relationship. Are there any advantages for us to register as civil partners?