My partner and I were never married and split up two years ago. We have a 14-year-old son, who spends most of his time with me. However his mother undertook responsibility for his health and education and takes him to school. Lately the boy has been playing truant; if the education department decides to prosecute, which of us will end up in court?
Since you weren’t married you won’t have parental responsibility for your son unless you have obtained it either by formal agreement with your ex-partner or via a court order. Schools must keep admissions registers detailing who has parental responsibility for each child, so if you haven’t taken any of the steps above the education department is likely to contact the mother. This doesn’t of course mean you shouldn’t take an interest in your child’s behaviour!