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When a couple splits, fighting over custody or visiting rights to the children is difficult for everybody. But, some fathers from Northamptonshire say they have been fighting to see their children but feel the justice system favours the mother over the father.

Mark Harris is from Northampton, he battled for access rights to his young daughters following a break-up in his marriage. 'Everything was fine, I used to pick the kids up every weekend but when my ex met her new partner he said he didn’t want me over their home. My ex then agreed, and I had to fight for 10 years through the justice system to try to gain access to my children, to no avail'.

Mark and his daughter

Too many court hearings!

Mark had 133 court hearings  involving 33 judges which reportedly cost the taxpayer almost £1 million pounds. 'My children are really angry at the system because even though they met with numerous judges, it seemed no-one was listening. It weren’t till they walked out on their mother to come and live with me that anything happened'. he said. This is by no means the only case of it's kind.

John Smith, from Wellingborough has two daughters and hasn’t seen them since the break-up of his relationship with his girlfriend.  He told me that she was bitter about the way it ended and stopped all access. 'She’s not just hurting me, she’s hurting the kids as well. It feels like a bereavement, even though I know they are still alive,  because I miss them so much'.

In December 2008 new provisions have been put into The Children’s Act to enable the court to create  what's known as a Contact Activity Direction, to help parents understand the benefits of contact if one parent stops the other from having contact  for no apparent reason.

Hear Mark Harris and John Smith’s story:

If you’re in a similar situation and would like more information on how to try to get help, try this website: