Mother Loses Children's Custody Over Frequent Trips Abroad

24/06/2026

Mother Loses Children's Custody Over Frequent Trips Abroad

KUWAIT CITY, June 24: The Family Court of Appeals revoked the custody of a woman over her two children and transferred custody to their father after it was established that she frequently traveled for tourism purposes, leaving the children in the care of others during her absence. The court ruled that her conduct is sufficient ground for revoking custody, as she failed to meet the legal and practical requirements expected of a custodian. Attorney Houra Al-Habib, lawyer for the father, stated that the mother is no longer fit to retain custody, considering the children had repeatedly been absent from school for extended periods without a valid reason, and that the mother often traveled without taking them with her.

According to Al-Habib, these circumstances proved the failure of the woman to fulfill her custodial responsibilities and had a negative impact on the children’s welfare, stability and educational progress. She asserted that maintaining custody under such conditions is not in the best interest of the children. In its reasoning, the court explained that custody extends beyond providing accommodation, as it includes direct and continuous care, proper upbringing, supervision and attention, as well as the affection and emotional support necessary for a child’s healthy psychological and social development. The court also pointed out that no evidence was presented to establish that the father was unfit to assume custody of his children, while none of the female relatives legally eligible to seek custody submitted a claim for custodial rights.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud/Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff