Father's Custody Battle: Do Institutions Listen to the Child?
A man is fighting in court for custody of his daughter, claiming institutions ignore the child's fear of her mother. He questions whether mothers have priority and urges listening to the child.
Ten years ago, a couple had a daughter. After the parents separated, a lengthy custody dispute began. The father, here called Kārlis, together with his current wife, is seeking official custody so that the girl could live with them. He argues that authorities do not take the child's opinion into account – the child has reportedly said she is afraid of her mother, yet decisions still favor the mother. The father points to slow and formal proceedings and asks whether mothers have an inherent advantage in custody matters.
All names in the story have been changed to protect the child's identity. The father raises allegations of abuse and intimidation, but no evidence has been presented so far. This publication has also contacted the mother's lawyer, the Child Protection Center, and the Ombudsman's office for general comments on children's rights, not specifically this case.
The case remains unresolved, and the father hopes his daughter's voice will be heard in the final decision.
