Parental Consent Request Letter Template & Generator

If you need to request consent from the other parent for a specific decision about your child, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong parental consent request should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Identify the child
• The parents or those with parental responsibility
• The specific matter requiring consent
• Set out the relevant background
• Reference section 3 of the Children Act 1989 on parental responsibility
• Request written consent and propose a reasonable response timeframe

When you need the other parent's consent

Certain decisions about a child — such as changing their school, taking them abroad, or changing their surname — generally require the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, not just the parent the child lives with day to day. Getting this in writing, even informally, protects both parents and avoids disputes later about what was actually agreed.

What to include before you send it

• A clear description of the specific decision you're seeking consent for
• Your reasoning, where helpful — particularly for decisions affecting the child's welfare or stability
• A reasonable deadline for a response
• What you intend to do if consent is withheld unreasonably

If consent is refused

If the other parent unreasonably refuses consent for something genuinely in the child's best interests, you may be able to apply to court for a Specific Issue Order, which asks the court to decide the matter directly. This is generally a last resort after attempting to resolve things directly and, where appropriate, through mediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need written consent for every decision about my child?
No — day-to-day decisions don't require formal consent, but significant decisions affecting a child's welfare, education, or where they live typically do if both parents have parental responsibility.

What if the other parent doesn't have parental responsibility?
If they don't hold parental responsibility, their consent generally isn't legally required, though it's often still good practice to keep them informed depending on the circumstances.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.