Petition · Ministry of Justice

Grant automatic guardianship to parents of 18yr olds who lack mental capacity

Closed 43 signatures

What the petition asks

Under existing law, if you have parental responsibility for a child and wish to extend this when they turn 18, for instance if they lack mental capacity, you have to apply for guardianship.
For those who've had parental responsibility for a child and advocated for the child's wellbeing and health throughout their life, I want them to be able to continue guardianship of their adult child automatically without having to apply for it.

I'd like this to apply only to parents who've been actively involved in supporting their child's health and wellbeing throughout their life. I think they should automatically be granted continued guardianship where their child lacks mental capacity.

Timeline

27 May 2025 Petition opened for signatures
27 Nov 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 43
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 27 May 2025
Closed 27 Nov 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.