National

Chairman: Family Law In The Bahamas Is Archaic And Needs To Be Modernized

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With many much-needed upgrades made to the judiciary, one attorney is saying family law needs to be modernized to make it easier for fathers to be involved in their children’s lives. Family Law Chairman Renard Henfield tells us it’s difficult and expensive for fathers to be involved in their children’s lives. Berthony McDermott has the details.

As the judiciary continues to make significant strides, family law chairman Renard Henfiled believes a greater focus needs to be placed on family law in The Bahamas.

Henfield was speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the juvenile and family court complex on Bernard Road.

He says unfortunately, the public perception that has become reality is that family law doesn’t seem to care for single fathers.

However, it seems that in most instances the magistrates court is unable to assist, according to Henfield, who says single fathers are often turned away and told they have no authority to give him access to his child.

This then results in him having to explore the costly venture of seeking assistance from the Supreme Court.

The Family Law chairman also hit out at the process of divorce in The Bahamas.

He says that by law, divorces mandate both parties fight.