Custody of children

Zimbabwe · 2026

Principle established: In divorce proceedings involving minor children, the court prioritizes the best interests of the child, particularly regarding custody and educational arrangements, despite procedural delays by the parents.

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1972-73

Principle established: In child custody disputes, the child's welfare is paramount; between parents, if welfare is equally served, the father's claim has priority, while a parent prevails over a third party unless shown unfit.

Kenya · 2014

Principle established: Adoption may be granted for an abandoned child legally freed for adoption, provided the applicants demonstrate the necessary financial and emotional capacity to care for the child.

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1920-36

Principle established: The court has absolute discretion in custody orders, with the paramount consideration being the interests and welfare of the children.

Uganda · 2026

Principle established: The court may appoint a legal guardian for a minor to facilitate necessary medical treatment and repatriation when it is in the child's best interests.

Uganda · 2026

Principle established: A biological mother and sole guardian may be granted legal authority to manage and lease property held in the names of her minor children for their maintenance and welfare.

Zimbabwe · 2023

Principle established: In matters concerning children, the best interests of the child are paramount, and the court may consider applications for access by non-parents to maintain family ties.

Zimbabwe · 2024

Principle established: Reasonable access rights granted in a divorce decree may be interpreted to include international travel if the non-custodial parent resides abroad and such travel was contemplated at the time of the order.

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1964-66

Principle established: A mother's adultery does not automatically bar her from obtaining custody of a young child, which must be determined based on the child's overall welfare and all relevant circumstances.

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1964-66

Principle established: Failure to appeal against a decree nisi granting interim child custody does not preclude a subsequent appeal against an order made upon an application to vary custody.

Sierra Leone — Court of Appeal · 1965

Principle established: A party's failure to appeal against a decree nisi containing a temporary custody order does not bar an appeal against a subsequent order refusing to vary custody.

Sierra Leone — Supreme Court · 1965

Principle established: A mother's adultery is not an absolute bar to awarding her custody of a young child unless she is otherwise shown to be unsuitable.