Almost two years ago to the day John Prior found himself single after a 15-year de facto relationship.
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With their two children his main priority, he had hoped proceedings between him and his ex- partner could stay out of the courts, but it wasn't meant to be.
Almost $5000 in lawyers fees later, Mr Prior said he asked for six days a fortnight and half of the school holidays, but was granted access every second weekend and half the holidays.
This is not about revenge just an idea I had to help struggling fathers' mental health, who have done the right thing but lost
- John Prior
A belief that many dads have been unfairly judged as incapable of taking care of their children has driven Mr Prior to use social media to reach out to others.
Using Facebook, Mr Prior has floated the idea of a group called Fathers for Fairness, for dads who believe the courts have failed them.
"This is not about revenge just an idea I had to help struggling fathers' mental health, who have done the right thing but lost (for no apparent reason)," Mr Prior posted.
Since Wednesday, the idea has received an outpouring of support online, with many women agreeing men are sometimes unfairly treated during custody decisions.
Jane Thompson said she wished all the forgotten dads the best of luck.
"I truly hope you can get some legislation changed, it’s one sided and always has been," she said.
Hailee Jayne said it was only fair that father's had equal rights to see their children.
"Every father deserves that right to see and love his children just as much as the mother," she said.
Mr Prior said despite investing time and thousands of dollars trying to jump the hurdles for an arrangement which would allow him more time with his children, he still feels powerless.
"It's a lopsided court system," he said.
Mr Prior said he counts himself as lucky in so far as he can afford to continue to fight for what he sees as a fairer access.
"If you haven't got the money they do what they like," he said.
An established lobby group for fathers called Australian Brotherhood of Fathers exists in Queensland, it claims child access issues after separation are shameful and in many instances gender biased.
The group fights for legislation change through petition and protest.
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