Our 10 Point Blueprint for Family Law
In 2004 Fathers4Justice published it’s Blueprint for Family Law in the 21st Century which presented the case for urgent, radical reform of the family justice system. This vital document sets our how an open, transparent and accountable family justice system would work for the benefit of children and families, free from the secrecy and conflict driven processes which have driven so many families apart.
The key principles of this document are:
1
A right in law for parents to have a meaningful parenting relationship with their children that reflects the status quo before separation. The burden of proof should be on the state to deny children access to a parent.
2
A right in law for grandparents to have a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren that reflects the status quo before separation.
3
A legal presumption of ‘shared’ or ‘equal’ parenting based upon the status quo before separation with a default 50/50 starting point.
4
The effective enforcement of court orders, including the transfer of residence from a recalcitrant parent. Parents who deny contact should not be able to act with impunity.
5
Mandatory mediation and education courses about the effects of family breakdown prior to the engagement of legal representatives and court action.
6
The introduction of an open, transparent and accountable system of justice predicated on peaceful resolution, not conflict and delay. Courts are for criminals, not families.
7
The removal of an unelected, unaccountable and unsackable judiciary who operate in complete secrecy. Such a system is an affront to a progressive, modern democracy.
8
The ending of the lie that the courts act in ‘the child’s best interests’ and the introduction of a record-keeping system on the outcomes for children.
9
Reform of child support legislation so that ‘child support’ means emotional and financial support and to ensure benefits are divided equally between both parents.
10
The introduction of a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Parents and the launch of a Public Enquiry into the Family Justice System.
To obtain a copy of our Blueprint join Fathers4Justice here:
