Assumption: "The government has scrapped the presumption of parental involvement, so the court no longer presumes my involvement is good for my child."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Because the government announced plans to repeal the presumption of parental involvement, it is already gone and courts no longer apply it.
Court Reality
The presumption under s.1(2A) Children Act 1989 is still in force. The government announced plans to repeal it in October 2025 through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, but that Bill has not yet received Royal Assent. As of September 2026 it is still in the House of Commons, with Report stage listed for 13 October 2026, and all of its House of Lords stages still to come. Until it becomes law, the court still presumes that involvement of each parent furthers the child's welfare — unless evidence shows otherwise.
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The Gap?
"The government has scrapped the presumption of parental involvement, so the court no longer presumes my involvement is good for my child."
Court Reality
The presumption under s.1(2A) Children Act 1989 is still in force. The government announced plans to repeal it in October 2025 through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, but that Bill has not yet received Royal Assent. As of September 2026 it is still in the House of Commons, with Report stage listed for 13 October 2026, and all of its House of Lords stages still to come. Until it becomes law, the court still presumes that involvement of each parent furthers the child's welfare — unless evidence shows otherwise.
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