Petition · Ministry of Justice
Review parental rights when a parent is not involved in their child's care 50/50
Open for signatures
23 signatures
What the petition asks
Create a law to trigger a review of parental rights if a parent named on a birth certificate does not actively participate in raising the child 50/50. Appropriate limits on parental rights and responsibilities could then be imposed.
In some situations, a parent named on a birth certificate does not participate in the child's upbringing or day-to-day care, yet they still have parental responsibility in law. This can create difficult situations for the parent who is providing the majority of care and making decisions for the child.
We believe the law should better reflect the responsibilities of parenting in these situations, and do more to prioritise the welfare and stability of the child.
We believe the law should better reflect the responsibilities of parenting in these situations, and do more to prioritise the welfare and stability of the child.
Timeline
| 15 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
23
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
15 Apr 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.