Irbid, Sept 15 (Petra) -- The Socio-Cultural Committee of the Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW) Irbid branch hosted a symposium on Tuesday titled "Family Conflict and Separation: The Psychological and Legal Impact on Children," featuring educational expert Khawla Al-Qadoumi and legal expert Karem Obeidat.

JNFW Irbid Coordinator Yasmeen Al-Zoubi said family disputes inevitably extend to children, who remain the most vulnerable to the psychological, educational, and social repercussions of parental conflict. She noted that the seminar aimed to explore methods to mitigate these negative impacts, safeguard children, and preserve overall family stability.

Al-Qadoumi addressed the emotional and behavioral consequences for children, emphasizing that unresolved parental tension can alter a child's psychological development well into adulthood. She explained that younger children often internalize parental disputes by developing misplaced feelings of guilt, heightened anxiety, or depressive symptoms, which can manifest as emotional withdrawal, behavioral outbursts, or fear of abandonment due to continuous chronic stress.

For his part, Obeidat detailed the legal frameworks governing child custody, maintenance, and protection under Jordanian law and Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia).

Obeidat affirmed that child custody and care determinations prioritize the best interests of the child, ensuring safety, stability, and proper upbringing. He highlighted that custody rights may be revoked by a judge if negligence, abuse, or an inability to maintain a safe environment is proven, transferring custody to the next eligible relative in accordance with legal order.

He added that fathers remain legally and religiously obligated to provide full financial support including housing, food, and living expenses irrespective of marital dissolution. Obeidat noted that the Personal Status Law outlines specific conditions under which a father may petition for primary custody to safeguard the child's social and physical welfare.

//Petra// AF