*** Father Wins Custody in Bahrain Court Over Maternal Neglect | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Father Wins Custody in Bahrain Court Over Maternal Neglect

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Lower Criminal Court has awarded custody of a seven-year-old boy to his father, citing the mother's neglect and prioritisation of her career and social life over her maternal duties.  
 
The ruling was based on evidence presented by the father's lawyer, Eman Al Ansari, including witness testimonies, court transcripts, and screenshots of conversations between the mother and other parties.

According to Al Ansari, the mother, who is separated from the child's father, was deemed unfit to provide adequate care.  The evidence indicated she consistently left the child in the care of his paternal grandparents, showing little interest in his well-being, health, or daily life.  
 
The court heard testimony detailing the mother's long working hours, often leaving her unavailable to care for her son, even during illness.  Screenshots of her conversations further corroborated this, with messages revealing her late-night work schedule and admission of neglecting her son's health.

The court acknowledged that, generally, custody is granted to the mother until the child reaches seven years old. However, the judge ruled that the child's best interests superseded the traditional presumption.  
 
The court considered the evidence, including witness statements and medical reports, which consistently demonstrated the mother's lack of involvement in the child's life.  The mother's own admissions in court regarding her inability to provide sole care and her intention to continue leaving the child with his grandparents further solidified the court's decision.

While the mother presented photographs to demonstrate her care for the child, the court emphasised that the child's well-being takes precedence.  The ruling ensures the child's protection from neglect and harm, while provisions for visitation rights will be established to maintain the mother's relationship with her son.