Single fathers say they are the real victims of broken homes in Bermuda with the law skewed massively in favour of mothers - regardless of the circumstances.
Dads feel they have next to no rights when it comes to access to their kids and how the child support money is spent and are campaigning for a change in the law.
We spoke to three dads who say they have been denied the right to see their children after their marriages broke down.
One father, Bill, who did not want his real name used. said: "It's ridiculous," he said. "At this rate, all the money I have saved for my children's college education will disappear because the money is being spent inappropriately."
Their campaign for equal rights received a shot in the arm today with a report 'Mama's Property, Daddy's Child' set to be discussed in the House today.
The report, prepared on behalf of the fathers rights group Childwatch, has the backing of Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler.
Mr. Butler told the Bermuda Sun, "The report is being actively studied. Our efforts are focused on continuing dialogue with a view to bringing some closure to this perennial debate."
The report was written by Mr. Butler's close friend, developer Rodney Smith, who has a master's in social work, highlights such issues as the high cost of legal fees, frivolous spending of child-support payments, involvement of paternal grandparents in children's lives and shared parenting.
"We further recommend that even in the event one parent is deemed unsuitable to share parenting responsibilities, his or her parents (grandparents) should not be -without just cause - be prevented from having interaction with their grandchildren."
It adds: "Government should adopt as a priority the goal of keeping both parents involved emotionally and financially in the lives of their children, reducing future rehabilitation costs."
Posted: Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Comment by:
Jean-Ann
I know this article is somewhat old but I'm hoping that there are people out there who will continue to refer to it from time to time. Please forgive my ignorance, but what do Bermuda's child custody laws state in reference to unmarried couples who do not live together. Is it presumed that the mother has primary custody of a newborn baby or must either parent formally petition the court for custody of the baby? Feedback appreciated!
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Comment by:
kathy nannie
iam a grandparent and cant believe how fathers are treated when they split from ther partners they use there children as weapons not even giving the child a thought while i know there are some dead beat dads out there i know that goes for mums too but i dont think that they realy consider the children involved no matter what the parents think only of them selfs not the child fathers should have more rightsin the courts and we should fight for this after all there was two involved in conception not the mother yet she has all the rights as a grandparent iam disgusted that they can even denie that the courts do very little even for us its about time there was a change in the law as we should all have the same right to see our children even if that be supervised by family member not some stranger because my son split with his partner i have now been denied asses to my grandson by his mother iam having every emotion u could imagine angry upset anxouss tressed absolouitly deverstated i cant see him my son is not a bad person he was a very good dad she got anew partner not him now my son has to put up with someone else playing dad nan grandad how can this be allowed there should be achange in the law and quick mothers arent always right like they think dads should have the same just because they give birth big deal very disatisfied grandmother
Posted: Sunday, May 20, 2007
Comment by:
http://www.internationalmensorganisation.info
Bermuda fathers face much the same problems as fathers in any other jurisdiction that operates under ENGLISH law.The family courts are operating purely for the benefit those who control them for their own financial ends.
This is nothing to do with fairness and justice but all to do with fleecing fathers vulnerable already at the break up of their family but destroyed when TRIAL by JURY has been replaced with DESPOTIC decisions that do not provide the IMPARTIAL tribunal to ensure justice is being made.
Mens assets,business's,
homes and children are a lucrative asset for those who use them as a power tool for generating massive legal fees.Rights that are being removed through victimisation and failures of fathers and childrens due process.
International Mens Organisation
http://www.internationalmensorganisation.info
Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Comment by:
Mary
I believe fathers should share the raising of there children after divorce. Laws need to be changed. The system is broke. Not all mothers seeking childsupport are young and irresponsible parents. There are fathers as well as mothers that should be denied access to there children. I am a responsible mother with a irresponsible father. I am older and have had to deal with a system that allows irresponsible fathers to walk away from supporting there children. Fathers who have children from multiple relationships. My iresponsible father is a proffessional and is middle aged. I have tracked him to 3 continents to make him pay support. All support I have gotten has gone toward my son. I cut my own hair and do not have my nails done. I work extremely hard to support our son. The support ordered does not hardly cover a 50% share in raising a child. In fact it falls quite short. Look at how much money is owed children in Bermuda for support. How much of it is or will ever be collected. How much is erased when mothers to avoid litigation costs settle for much less than what is owed. I believe what is owed is what is owed and should not be reduced and interest should accrue while in arrears. Fathers should be required by law as well as mothers to share in the physical and emotional development of there child as well. Writing a check is easy. I am never compensated for doing the work of caring that should be shared equally. Although I do it freely out of love for my child. I agree the custodial parent should be held accountable for the support given the child and the support they provide as well. There are also parents who do not pursue the father or Mother for support as they do not want a abusive parent access to there child. These hardworking and caring parents are never heard from.
Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Comment by:
Patricia
BRAVO DADS!!!! I must say that many good fathers do not get the justice they deserve. Some of these mothers need the roles reversed.Some mothers do not even deserve to have thier children and my heart breaks for the fathers who work hard to provide for their kids and thier hard earned dollars are being spent on evrything but by these 'deadbeat mommas' anything female can have a baby but that doesn't mean it's a mother.
Posted: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Comment by:
Bermuda Eye
I agree Karen,
I think that most of these stupid girls who get into these situations are desperate for money and are liars.
I think all women who are caufht mis-using child-support funds, should face mandatory imprisionment of 5 years.
Posted: Friday, May 11, 2007
Comment by:
karen
I have to agree with some of these men, they pay and get nothing in return, alot of these young girls use the child or children as weapons, I have seen first hand what is done with the money a man has given for his babies Food, Diapers etc, it goes on Moms Nails, hair,clothes trips etc. Any man paying by cash forget it they say he did not pay.There are alot of men out there that deserve better.
