What does it mean to have parental responsibility

Parental responsibility gives parents the power—duty to make decisions, always thinking about the good of their son or daughter. This applies on two levels, and the first concerns daily life, that is, ordinary administrative choices. These are, for example, the school routine, schedules, snacks or usual hobbies. In these cases, the parent who is with the child at that time can decide for himself. The most important choices, also called extraordinary administration, must be taken together (articles 316 c.1 and 337-ter c.3 of the Italian Civil Code). This area includes, for example, enrollment in a school or university, important health interventions, a change of usual residence, the practice of a competitive sport or an extended trip. If the agreement does not arrive, any parent can appeal “without formalities” to the judge (art. 316 c.1 of the Italian Civil Code). The judge hears the parents and the son or daughter (from 12 years old and up, or younger if able to discern) and, if the conflict persists, assigns the decision to the parent considered most suited to the interests of the boy or girl.