Assumption: "(Child Arrangements) Shared parental responsibility means I can attend every medical appointment."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
People think having parental responsibility gives them the right to attend all of their child's appointments.
Court Reality
The court can direct that whichever parent has the child that day takes them to appointments, with a duty to tell the other parent about the appointment and the outcome. In a 2026 case, this was upheld as a way to reduce conflict. Both parents kept their say on treatment decisions.
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The Gap?
"(Child Arrangements) Shared parental responsibility means I can attend every medical appointment."
Court Reality
The court can direct that whichever parent has the child that day takes them to appointments, with a duty to tell the other parent about the appointment and the outcome. In a 2026 case, this was upheld as a way to reduce conflict. Both parents kept their say on treatment decisions.
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