Sydney  - Australian sociologist Bruce Smyth calls them Disneyland Dads: fathers who surrender care of their children to their ex-wives so completely that on the occasions they do see them a treat in a theme park or a slap-up meal in a restaurant is likely to feature.

But times are changing and more and more divorced dads are either becoming the primary carers of their offspring or demanding more time with them.

Now, one in four newly divorced dads are appointed the main carers of their children by the Family Court. It's a transformation from the past when custody was routinely handed to the mother.

"It means there's a new generation of children in separated families growing up in vastly different circumstances than Australian children 20 years ago," said Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig.

Ten years ago only 6 per cent of children spent equal time with divorced parents and now the rate is above 10 per cent. (dpa)