I have often wondered this because aside the court of law deciding who takes custody of a child or who is fit to raise the child between man and woman, what role does the tradition play in the same case?

Now lets say a case of a guy who impregnated his girlfriend and they broke up, who takes custody the child? Or that he denied the pregnancy and later came with his family to claim the child. Now many cultures and ethnic interests clashes on this issue because some believes that the child must remain with the guy while others believe that as long as bride price wasn't paid on the girl, that they have no right over custody of the baby. Its really very controversial.

In the case of divorced couple, the man keeps his kids but what if he returns the bride price, who takes custody of the kids?

Any rational and fair solution to this case because it has been tearing families and relationships apart?

It has never been about bride price.
Both in courts and traditionally. Never.

The parent who is less of a threat to the development & well being of the child always get to keep the custody mostly the mother. Unless she's considered unfit.

Cultures differ so based on culture it could be the father or the mother.
Most times the custody of the child will go to the one who is in a better position to raise the child or the one who wants the child.
If there is a dispute,then both families can have a meeting and come to an agreement.

why can't both the parent take custody of the child

chocolateme:
I have often wondered this because aside the court of law deciding who takes custody of a child or who is fit to raise the child between man and woman, what role does the tradition play in the same case?

Now lets say a case of a guy who impregnated his girlfriend and they broke up, who takes custody the child? Or that he denied the pregnancy and later came with his family to claim the child. Now many cultures and ethnic interests clashes on this issue because some believes that the child must remain with the guy while others believe that as long as bride price wasn't paid on the girl, that they have no right over custody of the baby. Its really very controversial.

In the case of divorced couple, the man keeps his kids but what if he returns the bride price, who takes custody of the kids?

Any rational and fair solution to this case because it has been tearing families and relationships apart?

In my culture, the girl's father owns the child. Even if you end up marrying her tomorrow, it's left for him decide if you deserve the child or not. A child out of wedlock belongs to the girl 's father in my tradition.


In a case of divorce, the man is not keeping any kid, the court decides that. Except their mother isn't interested, otherwise courts intervention might be necessary.