There can be no doubt that in society men have historically had many advantages over women and many of these unfair and unjustifiable advantages continue to exist today. However, there can equally be no doubt that when it comes to parental responsibility ('PR') for children some men are at a distinct disadvantage for no particular, justifiable reason. As the stereotypical 'family unit' has changed, this is an area of law that (whilst niche) appears far overdue for updating. Current legal position and the perceived problems Parental responsibility is defined by s3(1) Children Act 1989 as 'all the rights, duties, powers responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property.' It is notable, however, that specifically s3(4) does not exclude an individual who does not have PR from an obligation to maintain their child.