Petition
Introduce Molly’s Law: Shared Parenting by Default After Separation
Rejected
12 signatures
What the petition asks
We ask the Government to introduce Molly’s Law — a legal presumption of shared parenting following separation, unless there is clear evidence that such an arrangement would put a child at risk.
Molly’s Law would amend the Children Act 1989 to give children a legal right to a meaningful relationship with both parents post-separation.
Other countries (such as Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia) already use shared parenting as the legal starting point — and see reduced conflict, better child outcomes, and less pressure on family courts.
Other countries (such as Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia) already use shared parenting as the legal starting point — and see reduced conflict, better child outcomes, and less pressure on family courts.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: Give parents who split up automatic 50/50 shared care of their children
Timeline
| 26 Jun 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 22 Jul 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
12
Status
Rejected
Rejected
22 Jul 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.