XN000022-1972-07-07 — Page 5

J

5

Friday, July 7, 1972

GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS BILL

The Government is to introduce a bill consolidating the law

relating to the custody and guardianship of minors.

Known as the Guardianship of Minors Bill 1972, it is intended to

replace the Infants Custody Ordinance.

It sets out the main principle which is to govern a court dealing

with any guardianship matter, namely that the welfare of the minor is the

paramount consideration in deciding any question of the child's custody,

upbringing or the administration of his property.

Under the bill, the mother of a child shall have the same rights

as the father when applying to the court in a dispute over the custody

of the child.

Another clause provides that a parent may, by deed or will, appoint

any person to be a guardian. Where a child has no parents, the court is

empowered to appoint a guardian for him.

The Supreme Court would also have the power to remove guardians

as well as to determine disputes between them.

Orders for the custody and maintenance of an illegitimate child

may also be made on the application of a natural parent, who has the same

rights as a surviving parent as to guardianship and the power of appointing

guardians.

1

16