Petition · past parliament · Home Office

Make it easier to end parental responsibility of absent parents

Closed 39 signatures

What the petition asks

I believe the law should be changed to make it easier for caring parents to obtain sole custody over a child if the other parent has been absent for six years or more.
I have heard of examples where absent parents return to their children after a number of years. We raise our children with unconditional love and we naturally want to protect them from harm. Then a stranger is allowed by law to involve themselves in the child's life.

Please help change the law and help the caring parent and their children.

Timeline

30 Nov 2021 Petition opened for signatures
30 May 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 39
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 30 Nov 2021
Closed 30 May 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.