The Law Society has warned that the welfare of children must always come before the rights of parents and no legislation should create or point to a perception that there is an assumed parental right to substantially shared or equal time for both parents.
Responding to a Ministry of Justice consultation on co-operative parenting, a Law Society spokesperson said:
'The welfare of children must always come before the rights of parents and no legislation should create or point to a perception that there is an assumed parental right to substantially shared or equal time for both parents.
'While the government's intention to promote cooperative parenting is welcomed, legislation to promote shared parenting is not needed. Current legislation adequately provides the right framework for securing a child's welfare. The Law Society believes the existing framework will be improved further with the recommendations of the Family Justice Review, which looks to reform the family justice system in general. The current arrangements around post-separation parenting need strengthening with children's welfare remaining at its heart, rather than a new legislative regime which shifts the emphasis onto the parents' rights to equal access.'
Read our full consultation response