Quotes:

1. In the vast majority of cases here, mothers receive residence, regardless of how involved the father was in the children’s lives before the parents separated. Government figures indicate that more than 90 % of the time mothers are awarded residence (custody) of the children. Since 90% of divorce cases never get to court, it is presumed 90% of fathers are satisfied. The fact is, most men know the odds are stacked against them, and don’t have the money or heart to go through a debilitating legal process they are sure to lose.
2. There have even been cases where the courts acknowledged a man has been a good and involved father, but refused contact because the mother says that would make her unhappy.
3. The Children’s Act of 1989 passed by Parliament was intended to promote shared parenting, but with few exceptions, the family courts have interpreted the law otherwise. Joint custody or ’shared residence’ is almost never considered a viable option by family judges, even if that is the expressed desire of the children.

Full Story:

CBS News
29 December 2007

London’s Absent Dads
[1] When It Comes To Divorce, British Dads At A Disadvantage

In the movies, dad ends up being able to see his kids (albeit through the benevolence of the ex-wife), but real life is not like Kramer vs. Kramer and Mrs Doubtfire, that’s why this holiday season, many British children and their fathers won’t be celebrating together.