Introduce a Legal Presumption of Shared Parenting in the UK

Rejected 13 signatures

What the petition asks

n the UK, under the Children Act 1989, there is no presumption of shared parenting. Too many children lose meaningful time with a loving parent after separation. Evidence shows children thrive with both parents, yet the system delivers inconsistent outcomes.

We call for a legal presumption of shared parenting, where safe. Children deserve both parents, not reduced to visitors in their lives. Courts should begin with equal involvement, limiting contact only where proven risk exists—bringing fairness, stability, and accountability.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

Introduce a Presumption of Equal Parenting Time in Family Law
Introduce a Presumption of Equal Parenting Time in Family Law

Timeline

28 Mar 2026	Petition opened for signatures
24 Apr 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 13

Status Rejected

Rejected 24 Apr 2026

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