Rejected petition Introduce a Legal Presumption of Shared Parenting in the UK

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.

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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.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

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Introduce a Presumption of Equal Parenting Time in Family Law
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/745208

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 28 March 2026
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