I am a father who has been separated from my two oldest children due to an ex-partner exploiting them for financial gain. This is not just my story, but the story of countless fathers who are denied equal custody rights. This imbalance in child custody decisions often stems from outdated stereotypes that undermine a father's ability to provide emotional and physical care, when in fact mothers and fathers should be looked upon and treated equally.

This unfortunately is the story for many fathers and is heard all too often. Government legislation sways biased to the mothering figure and fathers are just seen as a financial gain, rather than an allowance to fathers to have equal shared care of their children. The legislation and those who implement it encourages financial greed over the ideal wellbeing and upbringing of children, and unfortunately is seen as the norm.

 I am a loving and devoted father of 3 children, 2 of which I now see on a fortnightly basis due to the mother’s decision which is fuelled by financial gain. In August of 2023 I requested 50/50 shared care of my two oldest children which was declined by the mother for no other reason than financial benefit. I am not an unfit father, nor a risk to my children, my home is a safe space and is a hive of fun activities which they really enjoy.

It is also important to note that grandparents should have an active role in the upbringing of children if they so choose as that is a bond which is vital, however this is also frowned upon by the powers at be.

This then delves into the stigma around men’s mental health and the way men and fathers are treated. Which all of the above is a huge negative contribution as fathers appear to not have a voice and are not taken into consideration when dealing with this. Almost 80% of UK suicides are men, a large number of these men are believed that the root cause of that ill health is based on unhealthy coping mechanisms that originate from mental health, the loss of their family and the separation from their children, all of the above factors can be interlinked when fighting to see your children, which creates an overwhelming ‘drowning’ experience for the person experiencing it.

Children benefit significantly from having both parents actively involved in their lives. Studies show that children with active fathers have better emotional health, higher academic achievement, finances do not raise happy and healthy children, willing and active parents do, which is what I am trying to do but am being blocked. with Sharing my story, I am hoping that any other father who is going through this kind of treatment can take action and we can attempt an overhaul as a collective. 

in this day and age, It is time that fathers have a voice.

It's time for our legal system to recognise the importance of paternal involvement and grant 50/50 care to fathers.

We call on lawmakers to revise child custody laws and ensure they promote the best interests of children by favouring equal parenting time. Please sign this petition if you believe in fair child custody rights for all parents.