Read the full judgment text of FCMC 8251/2019 on BabelCite. This Family Court judgment was delivered on 3 October 2022 before Deputy District Court Judge 周至偉.
Family law – custody – care and control – best interests of the child – social welfare report – child's opinion – suitability of parents – joint custody – reasonable access – Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Ordinance – Guardianship of Minors Ordinance – The court determined the care and control of the child based on the child's best interests. The child, aged 13, expressed a clear preference for the mother and felt alienated from the father. The social welfare report recommended the mother for care and control due to her stable environment and primary caregiving role. The father's suitability was questioned due to his age, health, gambling habits, and poor living conditions. The court awarded joint custody to both parents, care and control to the mother, and reasonable access to the father. No order was made as to costs as both parties were self-represented.
Legal issues: Best interests of the child regarding care and control · Weight of the child's opinion · Suitability of the father
Outcome: Joint custody awarded to both parents; Care and control awarded to the mother; Reasonable access awarded to the father.