THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS A well-known fact that the Family Court rules in favour of women in almost all cases and pays scant regard to the rightful claim for custody by fathers.
Is this to say that mothers are more capable of parenting or that men are incapable of parenting?
Well, if that is the case, where is the evidence? Fathers are expected to behave like backbenchers in Parliament without any real say in their children's lives, while at the same time they are expected to work miracles and deal with the problems of their children when they arise.
Why are fathers stereotyped as 'money machines' with their only role in parenting being the provision of financial support for the child?
What about the equal share in parenting and the enforcement of visitation and custody rights of fathers?
BAD DEAL
The reality is that many of good fathers are given a bad deal by the Family Court as well as selfish and irresponsible mothers.
Further, the arbitrary and mother-inclusive but father-exclusive nature by which maintenance amounts are awarded leaves a lot to be desired and force some fathers simply to pay the ransom and leave the child because of the burdensome and lopsided cost.
Why should a father be asked to pay maintenance when he has the child in his care? Is this fair or is it just driving the father away from spending time with the child?
We must try to deal with issues squarely and fairly. Let us always put our children first, not mothers, and revamp the Family Court as it has deprived many children of their fathers.
I am, etc.,
KEITH BROWN
kgbeams@yahoo.com
Kingston 10
