Parents who are going through a divorce are suffering.  But let’s be honest. Dads have long been the losers when it comes to divorces.  In Minnesota, the law says both parents are starting with a 25% share in custody for their children...but let’s be honest.  The rate is not 25% for dad and 25% for mom.  It is actually starting 75% for mom and 25% for dad.  Now why on earth would a father, with no history of neglect or abuse, start with 25% custody of their children? Why on earth would a father have to prove more to a family court in order to have the same rights as the mother when it comes to custody of their shared children?  

According to the Rochester area Fatherhood Network, 99% of Fathers and 96% of mothers want the dad to be involved in the child's upbringing. Why does that change when it comes to a divorce? Is it because of money? Or does the mother want a certain power over the father?  Or does she just want to say she won?  Well according to the National Center for Fathering, not having a father contributing to raising the children can have many consequences.  For Example:

63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times the average.

90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.

85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average.  (Center for Disease Control)

80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average.  (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14, p. 403-26)

71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average.  (National Principals Association Report)

Now compare that with the statistics when the father is involved in the upbringing of the children:

Children with Fathers who are involved are 40% less likely to repeat a grade in school.

Children with Fathers who are involved are 70% less likely to drop out of school.

Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to get A’s in school.

Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to enjoy school and engage in extracurricular activities.

The positive developments for the children when a father is involved invaluable.  You can’t put a price on what a father brings to the upbringing of their children.  

This petition is to help all fathers who are going through a divorce, get the laws changed and give fathers everywhere a chance to be actively involved in raising their children.  There is absolutely no reason that a sane, non abusive, attentive father should have to fight for custodial rights more than the mother. The statistics don’t lie.  Family courts are put in place to make sure that the children are put into the best situation for their wellbeing…not to make fathers fight for the rights that they should already have.

Please sign this petition for fathers everywhere. Please help us reform Minnesota Statute  518.175 PARENTING TIME.  We need change.  Not just for all fathers, but for the future of our children.  All children deserve a chance, and they need their father.