Fathers' Rights

[All_in_black]

Bob Geldof was just on channel 4 discussing how poor the current custody system is for separated parents. The high courts even refused to consider a law stating that both parents automatically get 50% custody each. Fathers are completely ignored by the legal system, and Geldof made my day when he told a very highly respected judge:

"Fuck off. Fucking foxes have more rights than fathers."

When going to the coursts for a fight over custody, Geldof was told by a well-meaning clerk that her shouldn't tell the judge that he loved his children because it's seen as 'extreme' for a father to say it.

[Mean Girl]

i'm glad in my case my mother got automatic custody but i have seen many families already torn apart by their own differences being torn apart further by a system in desperate need of reform. although on saying that, i'm sure that its for stability of the children than anything else. it's completey absurd to assess each parents capabilities to look after their children - where would the children go til it's decided? how long would it take? etc. i agree the system is unfair to fathers and very outdated, i'm interested to hear what could be done - my brains no working...!

[All_in_black]

If there is ever a chance that the guy is getting a little lucky, all the woman has to say is 'domestic abuse'.

[Mean Girl]

i'm sorry, what?!

[All_in_black]

Domestic abuse. If a woman even whispers those words then the guy's fucked. Same with sexual abuse, alcoholism, drug dependence etc.

[: : Scott : :]

Originally Posted by Froggy Plantpot

i agree the system is unfair to fathers and very outdated, i'm interested to hear what could be done - my brains no working...!

Okay, how about if both parents are fit to look after the children (and the children are happy to see both parents) neither parent has the right to deny at least 50% custody?

[Niall]

Originally Posted by All_in_black

If there is ever a chance that the guy is getting a little lucky, all the woman has to say is 'domestic abuse'.

Correct...

[Mean Girl]

Originally Posted by omgwtf

Okay, how about if both parents are fit to look after the children (and the children are happy to see both parents) neither parent has the right to deny at least 50% custody?

but surely both parents would have to be vetted

[AlanG]

Originally Posted by omgwtf

Okay, how about if both parents are fit to look after the children (and the children are happy to see both parents) neither parent has the right to deny at least 50% custody?

quoted to emphasise the at least part of that

seriously though, these cases should be decided on a case by case basis not as a blanket "each gets 50% custody".

I always remember King Solomons verdict when I hear people bleating about this and think his solution to it emphasised the problem in always sticking to 50% each, it may not be in the best interests of the child.

[RussellOrGoose]

Because it was my dad that left I was automatically left to live with mum.Suits me fine.My dad never calls or nothers to see how I am unless I go to his house.He's got it the way he likes it.
It's a shame that some fathers aren't allowed to see their kids.Most cases it's cause the mum's an awkward person I've heard.

[samuraisloth]

I would have to say the law is unfair towards fathers, esp if the parents arent married as then the father of the child(ren) have no parental rights...unless they have got these from the court

[Action_Donkwaa]

yeah but dont you think this group are a bit of a joke?

"batman" has (i THINK) 3 kids to 3 different partners, isnt that kinda pushing your luck by now compaining that he doesnt get to see them all for large periods of the day, not enough hours in the day methinks...

[Rainbow_brite]

i think its terrible custody is nearly always given to the mother, i think if the mum has an affair etc the father (if he is capable should get the kids). Its a hard one and i think the chld should get al lot mor esay in things to if they are old enough to understand.

[AlanG]

ANYWAY

fathers rights...