The Family Court Division in Antigua and Barbuda, established to safeguard children and uphold parental responsibilities, is facing severe criticism for its systemic failures. Despite the Maintenance of and Access to Children Act, 2008, which mandates both parents to financially support their children, custodial parents are often left to bear the brunt of unmet obligations. The Act empowers the court to issue maintenance orders covering essential needs like food, clothing, schooling, and medical care. It also allows for enforcement mechanisms such as wage attachments, property levies, and even imprisonment for non-compliance. However, these measures are rarely enforced effectively. Maintenance payments are frequently delayed or entirely neglected, and warrants for non-payment are inconsistently issued. The absence of a modern tracking system exacerbates the issue, leaving parents in the dark about the status of their cases. These administrative shortcomings have dire consequences, with children often going without basic necessities and custodial parents sinking into debt. The Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Judicial Administration are urged to implement a digital case-tracking system, ensure automatic enforcement of warrants, and provide adequate training for court staff. Until these changes are made, the Family Court will continue to fail in its mission to protect the most vulnerable.
LETTER: Antigua and Barbuda’s Family Court Failing Children and Custodial Parents
