Article Sidebar

THE LEGAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHILD CUSTODY
Submitted
March 13, 2025
Accepted
August 27, 2025
Published
August 31, 2025
Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 161 Download : 35

Main Article Content

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the legal considerations and implementation of custody decisions in Case Number 977/Pdt. G/2022/PA.LT at the Lahat Religious Court. Specifically, it seeks to examine the legal basis used by the judge in granting custody to the father and evaluate how the decision has been implemented.


Methods - A normative-empirical research method is employed, which combines legal analysis with field research. Data were collected through structured interviews with the parties involved and library research on relevant legal sources. This study adopts a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis to interpret judicial reasoning and assess the ruling’s impact.


Findings - The judges prioritized the best interests of the child over Article 105(a) of the Compilation of Islamic Law, which normally grants custody of a non-mumayyiz child to the mother. The decision was based on three key considerations: the child had been continuously cared for by the father since the separation, the child expressed a preference to remain with the father, and the mother admitted infidelity as a factor in the divorce. The ruling has been partially effective: while the child remains in the father’s custody, the mother’s visitation rights have been hindered by parental conflict. Over time, however, the child’s initial reluctance to meet the mother shifted toward more positive interactions.


Contribution/Limitation: This study contributes to the discourse on custody disputes by demonstrating how judicial discretion and social dynamics influence the application of family law. A limitation of this research lies in its focus on a single case, which may not fully represent broader judicial trends.


Originality/Value - The originality of this study lies in its combination of legal and empirical perspectives, offering insights into how custody rulings are not only legally grounded but also shaped by practical, social, and familial considerations.

Keywords

Child custody Islamic Law Religious Court Islamic Studies

Article Details

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Zhamir Islami, KN, Sofyan Hasan, Abdul Latif Mahfuz; Mowafg Abrahem Masuwd

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
How to Cite
Islami, M. Z., Hasan, K. S. H., Mahfuz, A. L. M., & Masuwd, M. A. M. (2025). THE LEGAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHILD CUSTODY IN THE LAHAT RELIGIOUS COURT: AN ANALYSIS OF CUSTODY AWARDS TO FATHERS AFTER DIVORCE. Al-Mawarid Jurnal Syariah Dan Hukum (JSYH), 7(2), 243–260. https://doi.org/10.20885/mawarid.vol7.iss2.art3
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX

References

  1. Abadi, M. R. F., Junus, N., & Imran, S. Y. (2023). Loss of Child Custody to a Father. Estudiante Law Journal, 5(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.33756/eslaj.v5i3.18338
  2. Agustina, F. (2023). Fulfilling Children’s Rights Through Post-Divorce Relationships: An Investigation from Bima. Al-Ahwal: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Islam, 16(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.14421/ahwal.2023.16108
  3. Ahyani, H., Surasa, A., & Suryani, S. (2021). Idealitas Penegakan Hukum yang Baik (Ideal) Menurut Gaya Moral di Indonesia. Al-Mawarid Jurnal Syariah Dan Hukum (JSYH), 3(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.20885/mawarid.vol3.iss2.art4
  4. Akbari, R. (2025). Marriage Dispensation And The Best Interests Of The Child: A Judicial Analysis Of Urgent Reasons In The Purwodadi Religious Court. Indonesian Journal of Islamic Jurisprudence, Economic and Legal Theory, 3(3), 2812–2826. https://doi.org/10.62976/ijijel.v3i3.1354
  5. Amin, R., & Aziz, M. F. A. (2023). Implementation of the Best Interests Principle for Children Who Commit Violent Crimes Resulting in the Death of Children (study in the Central Jakarta District Court). Jurnal Bina Mulia Hukum, 8(1), 49–62. https://doi.org/10.23920/jbmh.v8i1.1019
  6. Arfaizar, J., Hak, N., Yusdani, Y., & Chasanah, L. (2023). Gender Dalam Sudut Pandang Antropologi Dan Islam: Analisis Cerai Gugat Pada Tenaga Migran Di Pengadilan Agama Trenggalek. Al-Mawarid Jurnal Syariah Dan Hukum (JSYH), 5(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.20885/mawarid.vol5.iss2.art1
  7. B, H., & Siswanto, S. (2023). Who Should Exercise Child Custody after Divorce? Amsir Law Journal, 4(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.36746/alj.v4i2.201
  8. Bagenda, C., & Carbonilla, C. H. (2024). The Principle of the Best Interest of the Child in Granting Child Custody Related to Divorce. Pena Justisia: Media Komunikasi Dan Kajian Hukum, 23(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.31941/pj.v23i2.4675
  9. Blumenthal-Barby, J., & Opel, D. J. (2018). Nudge or Grudge? Choice Architecture and Parental Decision-Making. Hastings Center Report, 48(2), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.837
  10. Browder, J. (2022). Judge Decision Protocols Conforming to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12930
  11. Casas, F., & Ditzel, A. L. (2024). Children’s perceptions of their participation rights context when living in residential care and its relationship with their subjective well-being. Child Abuse & Neglect, 106933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106933
  12. Dwinandita, A. (2024). Islamic Child Parenting Practices and Muslim Family Resilience in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Literature Review. Al-Athfal: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak, 10(2), 83–105. https://doi.org/10.14421/al-athfal.2024.102-01
  13. Eekelaar, J. (2015). The Role of the Best Interests Principle in Decisions Affecting Children and Decisions about Children. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718182-02301003
  14. Eekelaar, J. (2016). Two Dimensions of the Best Interests Principle: Decisions About Children and Decisions Affecting Children. In E. E. Sutherland & L.-A. Barnes Macfarlane (Eds.), Implementing Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Best Interests, Welfare and Well-being (pp. 99–111). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316662977.007
  15. Ellman, I. M., & Braver, S. L. (2015). Child support and the custodial mother’s move or remarriage: What citizens believe the law should be. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 21(2), 145–160. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000045
  16. Firdaus, M. A., & Iwan, I. (2024). Custody Determination for a Child Born as a Result of Rape: A Maqashid al-Sharia Perspective. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum, 27(2), 406–426. https://doi.org/10.56087/aijih.v27i2.512
  17. Fitria, K., & Wulandari, F. (2021). Mengembangkan Perkembangan Sosial Emosional Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun Melalui Alat Permainan Edukatif Dari Kardus Bekas. AT-THUFULY : Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini, 2(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.37812/atthufuly.v2i1.570
  18. Forslund, T., Granqvist, P., van IJzendoorn, M. H., Sagi-Schwartz, A., Glaser, D., Steele, M., Hammarlund, M., Schuengel, C., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., Steele, H., Shaver, P. R., Lux, U., Simmonds, J., Jacobvitz, D., Groh, A. M., Bernard, K., Cyr, C., Hazen, N. L., Foster, S., … Duschinsky, R. (2022). Attachment goes to court: Child protection and custody issues. Attachment & Human Development, 24(1), 1–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2020.1840762
  19. Government of Canada, D. of J. (2002, March 29). Focus Groups on Family Law Issues Related to Custody and Access. https://justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/parent/2000_5/p3.html
  20. Gresdahl, M., Fauske, H., & Storhaug, A. S. (2025). Balancing child participation and protection in emergency cases: Ensuring the child’s best interests. Children and Youth Services Review, 172, 108259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108259
  21. Haarberg, F. L. (2024). What do we know about children’s representation in child protection decisions? A scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 160, 107588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107588
  22. Halikha, N., & Winanti, A. (2024). Determination of the Best Principles for Children in Divorce Cases: A Legal Analysis of the Cibinong Religious Court Decision Number 1042/Pdt.G/2019. Jurnal Daulat Hukum, 7(4), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.30659/jdh.v7i4.41110
  23. Hamonangan, S. (2024). Custody and Obligations of Parental Alimation of Children After the Breakup of Marriage Due to Divorce in Terms of Law Number 1 Of 1974 Concerning Marriage. Pena Justisia: Media Komunikasi Dan Kajian Hukum, 23(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.31941/pj.v23i1.4094
  24. Harman, J., Giancarlo, C., Lorandos, D., & Ludmer, B. (2023). Gender and child custody outcomes across 16 years of judicial decisions regarding abuse and parental alienation. Children and Youth Services Review, 155, 107187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107187
  25. Hasibuan, Z. (2023). For the Sake of Protecting Physcal Needs: Maqasid Sharia Perspective Toward Judges Consideration on Child Custody. Al-Hukama’: The Indonesian Journal of Islamic Family Law, 13(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.15642/alhukama.2023.13.1.76-92
  26. Huchhanavar, S. S. (2023). Conceptualising Judicial Independence and Accountability from a Regulatory Perspective. Oslo Law Review, 9(2), 110–148. https://doi.org/10.18261/olr.9.2.3
  27. Ibrahim, J. (2013). Teori dan Metodologi Penelitian Hukum Normatif. Bayumedia.
  28. Imran, I., Suadi, A., Risnain, M., & Nurbani, E. S. (2024). Aspects Of Justice Of Marriage Dispensation And Best Interests For Children. Jurnal Hukum Dan Peradilan, 13(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.25216/jhp.13.1.2024.63-88
  29. Jeynes, W. H. (2006). The Impact of Parental Remarriage on Children: A Meta-Analysis. Marriage & Family Review, 40(4), 75–102. https://doi.org/10.1300/J002v40n04_05
  30. Koller, D., Espin, S., Indar, A., Oulton, A., & LeGrow, K. (2024). Children’s participation rights and the role of pediatric healthcare teams: A critical review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 77, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2024.02.023
  31. Langmeyer, A. N., Recksiedler, C., Entleitner-Phleps, C., & Walper, S. (2022). Post-Separation Physical Custody Arrangements in Germany: Examining Sociodemographic Correlates, Parental Coparenting, and Child Adjustment. Social Sciences, 11(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11030114
  32. Łuszczyńska, M. (Ed.). (2020). Researching Ageing: Methodological Challenges and their Empirical Background. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003051169
  33. Manan, A. (2008). Aneka Masalah Hukum Perdata Di Indonesia. Kencana.
  34. Mera, N., Marzuki, M., B, M. T., Sapruddin, S., & Cahyani, A. I. (2024). Child Custody Rights for Mothers of Different Religions: Maqāṣid al-Sharī’ah Perspective on Islamic Family Law in Indonesia. Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam, 8(3), 1645–1668. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v8i3.23809
  35. Moen, B. (2023). The Effects of Parental Divorce and Separation on Children. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de La Jeunesse, 15(2), 139–145. https://doi.org/10.29173/cjfy29926
  36. Muhammad, A. (2004). Hukum dan Penelitian Hukum. PT. Citra Aditya Bakti.
  37. Munim, A. (2020). Post-Divorce Custody of Children According to Positive and Islamic Laws. Law Development Journal, 2(1), 20–27. https://doi.org/10.30659/ldj.2.1.20-27
  38. Munthe, H. N. G., & Sidauruk, J. (2025). Juridical review and implementation of child custody rights in court decision number: 144/PDT.G/2021/PN.SIM. Journal of Law Science, 7(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.35335/jls.v7i1.5724
  39. Pérez Fuentes, G. M., & Cantoral Domínguez, K. (2015). The Best Interests of the Minor as a Principle of Interpretation in Mexican Civil Law. Mexican Law Review, 7(2), 83–112. http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S1870-05782015000100004&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=en
  40. Prasetyo, B., & B, H. A. M. (2023). The Legal Protection of Children’s Rights due to Parental Divorce in Islamic Family Law in Predominantly Muslim Countries. JURNAL AKTA, 10(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.30659/akta.v10i1.29822
  41. Prihatini, F., Munthe, A. K., Pusparani, D. S., & Sumihar, A. (2019). The Problem of the Execution of Child Custody (hadanah) Decision by the Religious Courts in Indonesia. Jurnal Syariah, 27(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.22452/js.vol27no2.5
  42. Revheim, C., Jørgensen, T., & Heggdalsvik, I. K. (2025). The best interests of the child in professional assessments of contact rights when children are taken into care – An analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 171, 108194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108194
  43. Risni, T. W., & Vitasmoro, P. (2024). The Role of Mothers in Educating Islamic Values for Children in Campurejo Village, Kediri City. Journal of Islamic Education Research, 5(1), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.35719/jier.v5i1.336
  44. Sabreen, M. (2024). Law on the Custody of Children in Pakistan: Past, Present and Future. https://sahsol.lums.edu.pk/node/12832
  45. Schulte, T. H. (2014). Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. http://mydomain.com/. https://www.ocbar.org/All-News/News-View/ArticleId/1427/December-2014-Who-s-in-the-Driver-s-Seat-Uniform-Child-Custody-Jurisdiction-and-Enforcement-Act
  46. Skauge, B., Storhaug, A. S., & Marthinsen, E. (2021). The What, Why and How of Child Participation—A Review of the Conceptualization of “Child Participation” in Child Welfare. Social Sciences, 10(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10020054
  47. Skivenes, M., & Sørsdal, L. M. (2018). The Child’s Best Interest Principle across Child Protection Jurisdictions. In A. Falch-Eriksen & E. Backe-Hansen (Eds.), Human Rights in Child Protection: Implications for Professional Practice and Policy (pp. 59–88). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94800-3_4
  48. Soemitro, R. H. (1990). Metodologi Penelitian Hukum dan Jurimetri. Ghalia Indonesia.
  49. Stalford, H., & Hollingsworth, K. (2020). This case is about you and your future: Towards Judgments for Children. The Modern Law Review, 83(5), 1030–1058. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2230.12536
  50. Teachman, J. D., & Paasch, K. M. (1994). Financial Impact of Divorce on Children and Their Families. The Future of Children, 4(1), 63–83. https://doi.org/10.2307/1602478
  51. Turisno, B. E., Suharto, R., Priyono, E. A., & Mahmudah, S. (2021). Negligence in Implementing Child Custody Decisions: A Threat to Child Protection in Indonesia. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 16(2). https://ijcjs.com/menu-script/index.php/ijcjs/article/view/66
  52. Vázquez, M. S.-, Herrero, M., Corral, S., Cormenzana, S., & Pampliega, A. M.-. (2024). The Differential Role of Fathers’ and Mothers’ Parenting Styles, as a Function of the Custody Agreement: Post-divorce Family Adjustment and Children’s Symptomatology*. 23. https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.upsy23.drfm
  53. Widjaja, A. M., Sari, I. Y. K., Fadhilah, H. F. I., & Ayuningtyas, D. S. (2020). The Application of the Best Interest of the Child Principle as a Basis for Determining Child Custody. Unram Law Review, 4(2), 163–173. https://doi.org/10.29303/ulrev.v4i2.126
  54. Yuniansa, R., Firmansyah, F., Indra, G. L., & Nayan, M. M. (2024). The Transition of Child Custody Due to Apostasy: An Approach Based on Children’s Rights and the Objectives of Shariah. El-Izdiwaj: Indonesian Journal of Civil and Islamic Family Law, 5(2), 169–187. https://doi.org/10.24042/el-izdiwaj.v5i2.25666
  55. Yusdani. (2019). Building Civilised Family Relations: Towards a New Discourse of Family Fiqh in the Millennial Era. Al-Shajarah: Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.31436/shajarah.v0i0.921
  56. Yusdani, Nudin, B., & Arfaizar, J. (2021). Strategy for Building Muslims Family Resilience in Contemporary Era. International Journal of Advanced Research in Islamic and Humanities, 3(1), Article 1. https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijarih/article/view/12462
  57. Yusdani, Y., Arfaizar, J., Asmuni, A., Ks, M., & Arifai, A. (2025). Development of Islamic Law in Indonesia: Explore Traces, Legacy and Contributions Ahmad Azhar Basyir’s Thoughts. Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam, 9(1), 204–228. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v9i1.17079
No Related Submission Found