Graham, writing to representatives of the government is something I do a LOT of. I have written to legislators in practically every state, and in some states, I have written to ALL members of both houses, state and federal.
I have even written to officials around the world and even in YOUR country.
I also write to judges. I have spoken to the Chief Justice of my state Supreme Court so many times I call him Charley, not Your Honor or Chief Justice Wells. I write to editorialists and I write to social workers and mental health organizations, such as the APA. I also write to family law activists, researchers, authors and to anyone who can help our cause in any way.
"Thus Frank might say:-
'Does the government agree that a rebuttable presumption of equal parenting is what is best for children'? (- surely a question they must be being asked all the time)."
They ARE asked that question a lot, and I am far from the only one asking it. Care to hear their answers?
I will say that although most of the responses are quite positive and supportive, a majority of the time I get no response at all or something so neutral as to be considered no response, such as an aide thanking me for my involvement in the process of government and assuring me that my opinions will be considered heavily.
Yeah... sure.
There does seem to be an prevailing opinion among lawmakers that the only fair "starting point" is two parents in equal standing. I can honestly say that I can't recall any conflicting opinions from any legislators, so I assume that those who support adversarial divorce keep their opinions to themselves. My gut feeling is that there is little resistance to equal parenting, but only lukewarm support. Few politicians are seeking to push this hot button.
There are a few representatives here and there who have strong feelings about equal parenting and want to do something about adversarial divorce. The equal parenting advocates are getting more and more signatures, but these bills usually don't make it onto the house floor. Only four states so far have approved true EP laws in committee and three of them passed the laws in the House.
You know I'm long-winded, but I keep my messages short and sweet. I hit the main points: fairness, equality, decreased conflict, children's needs, the involvement of both parents, countering parental alienation, enforcement of parenting time and opposition to move-aways. Mostly stuff that would be tough to disagree with. If there is a bill pending, I voice my support of it.
If you want a presumption in favor of contact, try this method. I feel that if more people did their part, the sad state of divorce custody issues would be greatly improved.