The Lib Dems have been unveiling a series of policy plans

Lib Dem plans also include scrapping the Child Support Agency and handing its duties to HM Customs and Revenue.

They also want compulsory mediation before child custody rows go to court.

The proposals, set out in a document called Stronger Families, Brighter Future, will be debated at the Lib Dem annual conference in Brighton.

They are then likely to form the basis of party policy ahead of the next election.

Sir Menzies said: "Liberal Democrats recognise that the family in all its forms is the foundation for the success and happiness of our children.

Just as a child should not grow up without the love and protection that can be offered by both parents, neither should parents miss out on the joys of bringing up their child Sir Menzies Campbell

"Childcare, early years education and the benefits system can all help sustain stronger families and brighter futures for our children. Liberal Democrats will ensure quality services in the community that give real choice to parents."

The minimum maternity guarantee of �170 would provide a boost for many mothers after their child is born.

Divorce plans

Currently maternity pay is worth 90% of the mother's full salary for the first six weeks then a maximum �108.85 for the following 20 weeks.

The Lib Dems said they would aim to extend their guarantee to 12 months if Labour makes good on its promise to increase the maternity pay period to a year.

Proposals for divorce and separation meanwhile are based on the idea that "maintaining the best interest of the child is paramount but that the court should consider the desirability of a child maintaining contact with both parents".

Community childcare

A default contact arrangement would aim to ensure reasonable contact was maintained with non-resident parents unless there was a threat to the safety of the child.

"We must be realistic - some families break down," said Sir Menzies.

"Subject to the best interests of the child, the objective should be to ensure that children have reasonable time with both parents.

"Just as a child should not grow up without the love and protection that can be offered by both parents, neither should parents miss out on the joys of bringing up their child."

Lib Dem children and families spokeswoman Annette Brooke meanwhile highlighted plans for a network of community childcare services and a professional body to oversee standards of nursery staff.