My name is Jamie Morgan, a Litigant in Person (LIP) parent, who has been severely affected by the biased family court system. My daughter was unjustly taken away from me by her mother to live with her new partner. I was deprived of contact with my precious child for 16 grueling months. 

During this time, there were several incidents of domestic abuse at their residence, leading to a Child Protection Order being issued.  Social services and CAFCASS recommended that my daughter should live with me full time. Despite overwhelming evidence, the family court judge ruled in favour of the mother, deeming her unwillingness to travel for contact as a valid reason. She lied in court stating that her abusive relationship had ended, but they are still living together.

My ordeal perfectly illustrates the bias that LIP parents endure under the current family court system. It is an ordeal faced by thousands nationwide.

Citizens Advice states that the family court system currently has a 62% bias in favour of maternal custody in cases of dispute. This stems from the conventional stereotype that women are the primary caregivers for children; However, the cases where the father provides a more stable environment, such as mine, are overlooked.

What is even more disconcerting is the blatant disregard for the opinions and wishes of the children involved. This is a clear violation of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which advocates for “the child's voice to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child".

We are calling on lawmakers to reevaluate the family court system. Our aim is to eliminate the bias against LIP parents, recognise their rights, and above all, prioritize the needs and wishes of the children involved.

Take a stand for the rights of children and parents. Demand a more just and balanced family court system by signing this petition.