Sussex parent campaigns for equality

Currently, when parents separate, one often becomes the “primary carer” by default, leaving the other parent to fight for time with their child—often through lengthy and costly court battles. Every year, around 280,000 children in the UK experience parental separation, and across Great Britain, there are 2.5 million separated families, affecting about 4 million children.

Campaign founder Luke Brice argues that the system is outdated and unfair: “Children need love, stability, and the presence of both parents. Yet our laws make that harder. Equality should be the starting point—not something parents have to fight for.”

The statistics highlight the scale of the problem. Roughly 55,000 private law cases are filed annually in England and Wales, taking an average of 42 weeks to resolve. Many families never make it to court at all, leaving one parent with the power to control a child’s access to the other.

Brice’s campaign calls for a rebuttable presumption of equal parenting time—meaning courts would start from the position that children should spend roughly equal time with both parents unless there is a clear reason not to, such as safety concerns or practical limitations.

Research strongly and universally supports this approach. Studies show that children in shared parenting arrangements perform better academically, emotionally, and socially than those in sole custody. Other countries, including parts of Europe and Australia, have already introduced similar laws with positive outcomes for families.

The campaign is gaining traction online, with supporters urging others to sign the petition and share the message. “This isn’t about ideology,” Brice says. “It’s about fairness and child welfare. Together, we can create a system where children thrive with both parents—not as visitors, but as equal participants in their lives.”

To sign the petition, please visit here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/745208