Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia has taken a significant step toward overhauling its justice delivery system, as the Law Reform Commission (LRC) concluded a high-level consultative dialogue on the establishment of the country’s first-ever Family Court.
The one-day engagement, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Mamba Point, brought together a broad coalition of legal experts, policymakers, and civil society actors, signaling growing national consensus around the need for a specialized judicial mechanism to handle family-related cases.
Participants included representatives from the Legal Office of Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Bar Association, the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, and other key institutions, including legislative committees and development stakeholders.
Providing an overview of the dialogue, LRC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Bornor M. Varmah, described the initiative as a major milestone in Liberia’s justice sector reform agenda.
He emphasized that for decades, sensitive family-related matters—including child custody, divorce, maintenance, domestic violence, and inheritance—have been handled by general jurisdiction courts, a system he said is no longer adequate given the increasing complexity of such cases.
“The proposed Family Court will provide a dedicated forum designed to deliver timely and efficient resolution of family disputes, promote the best interests and welfare of children, ensure fair and equitable treatment of all parties, and enhance confidentiality and sensitivity in handling cases,” Cllr. Varmah stated.
He disclosed that the envisioned court will be modeled on international best practices while remaining responsive to Liberia’s unique legal and cultural landscape. Key features are expected to include specialized jurisdiction, child-friendly and victim-centered procedures, integration of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and close collaboration with social services.
According to Varmah, the establishment of the Family Court is expected to yield far-reaching benefits, including improved access to justice, enhanced protection for vulnerable groups, promotion of gender equality, and increased public confidence in the judicial system.
However, he cautioned that the process will require sustained commitment and careful planning, particularly in areas such as capacity building for judicial personnel, public awareness and legal literacy, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms for court rulings.
He further stressed the importance of harmonizing Liberia’s statutory and customary legal systems—an issue he described as “cardinal” to the success of the proposed court.
“The establishment of a Family Court represents a bold and necessary step toward a more inclusive, equitable, and effective justice system in Liberia,” Varmah asserted. “It underscores the Government’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable.”
The LRC, he added, has already undertaken extensive consultations with the judiciary, government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and international development partners, and is now finalizing draft legislation and policy recommendations to guide the court’s formal establishment.
Stakeholders at the dialogue widely welcomed the initiative, describing it as long overdue.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberia National Bar Association President, Cllr. Juah Lawson, Cllr. Mariah Yeakula Kokpor praised the LRC for leading the process, while urging stakeholders to remain focused on building a strong and sustainable system.
“The need for a Family Court cannot be overemphasized,” she said. “Our family law system in Liberia needs reform, and we are pleased that this process is being led by the Law Reform Commission. We look forward to contributing meaningfully to ensure its success.”
Also speaking, Atty. Prince Kolvah of the Ministry of Justice commended the LRC’s leadership and called for broader consultations to ensure inclusivity in shaping the court’s framework.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Cllr. Dr. Neveda Ricks, pledged institutional support and highlighted the need for rehabilitation facilities to assist women and children affected by family disputes during legal proceedings.
Representatives of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia also welcomed the initiative, noting that the organization has long championed the establishment of a Family Court. They reaffirmed AFELL’s commitment to supporting the legislative process alongside other stakeholders.
From the Executive Mansion, Lovette Fahnbulleh, representing the Legal Office of President Boakai, conveyed the President’s strong interest in addressing family-related challenges nationwide and assured government backing for the initiative.
In a related development, the Vice Chairperson of the LRC, Felicia V. Coleman, is spearheading the technical and consultative process, working alongside a team of legal experts to refine draft legislation that will pave the way for the establishment and operationalization of Liberia’s first Family Court.
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