Challenging Issues In Child Custody Disputes

"This detailed manual provides best practices in conducting and participating in child custody assessments in situations that involve high domestic conflict and special challenges relating to relocations in domestic disputes."--pub. desc.

This book addresses the concept of parental alienation – the belief that when a child of divorced parents avoids one parent, it may be because the preferred parent has persuaded the child to do this. It argues against the unquestioning use of parental alienation concepts in child custody conflicts. Increasing use of this concept in family courts has led at times to placement of children with abusive or violent parents, damage to the lives of preferred parents, and the use of treatments that have not been shown to be safe or effective. The 13 chapters cover the history and theory of "parental alienation" principles and practices. Methodological and research issues are considered, and diagnostic and treatment methods associated with "parental alienation" beliefs as well as those recommended by research and ethical evidence are analyzed. The connections of "parental alienation" with gender and domestic violence issues are discussed as are the experiences of individuals who have experienced "parental alienation" treatments. The book argues that "parental alienation" principles and practices should be avoided by family courts, in the best interests of children in custody disputes. This book will be useful reading for lawyers, judges, children’s services workers including social workers, child protection court workers, and mental health professionals involved in child custody decisions.

Find out how evaluators, mediators, and judges deal with the issues of relocation in divorced families In the past, the relocation of a parent or child in custody cases was rarely a problem for divorced families—there was little conflict and little need for court intervention. But with the growth of shared custody, more fathers involved in parenting after divorce, and an increase in litigation between conflicted parents, relocation has become a complex issue that’s difficult for evaluators, judges, and public policymakers to resolve. Relocation Issues in Child Custody Cases offers a firsthand look at how evaluators investigate, predict, and make recommendations; how judges reach decisions based on those recommendations; and how individual states deal with relocation cases. Relocation Issues in Child Custody Cases examines how evaluators, mediators, and judges can best facilitate an environment where a child has an ongoing relationship with two parents, regardless of where each parent lives. This unique book looks at how the landscape in relocation cases has changed since the California Supreme Court’s landmark 2004 ruling in the LaMusga move-away case, examining relevant topics, including individual state statutes on relocation; a survey of courts in the United States; the functions of an evaluator; how a judge analyzes data before reaching a decision; parental conflict; domestic violence; change of circumstances; primary residence; and the process of developing parenting plans. Relocation Issues in Child Custody Cases examines: whether negative outcomes of parental relocation after divorce were a result of pre-existing conflict and domestic violence whether the “best interests of the child” is an acceptable standard in relocation cases investigative models for evaluators “for the move” and “against the move” biases—and how to reduce them a format for analyzing evidence in relocation cases the risks and benefits of presumptions in family law matters and much more Relocation Issues in Child Custody Cases is an essential resource for evaluators, mediators, judges, caseworkers, child psychologists, family therapists, and child advocates.

Millions of fathers are currently embroiled in the fight of their lives to win custody of their children. Wounded by the acrimony and greed that often accompany divorce proceedings, many wonder if they will ever again be an important part of their sons' and daughters' lives. With this landmark book, renowned men's rights attorney Jeffery M. Leving offers disenfranchised fathers true hope and meaningful advice certain to save years of anguish and possibly thousands of dollars.Drawing on more than fifteen years of frontline experience, Leving leads fathers through every twist and turn of the legal system and shows them how to protect their rights (and their children's)—both before and during divorce litigation.This authoritative and accessible book covers every aspect of the custody process, including protecting the parent/child relationship as a breakup occurs; finding a competent and sympathetic lawyer; drafting a “Shared Parenting Agreement”; demonstrating parental competence when falsely accused of abuse; avoiding parental alienation; determining when to settle and when to litigate; techniques for dealing effectively with psychologists, social workers, and other domestic relations experts; and much more.Illustrated with vivid real-life examples, Jeffery Leving and Kenneth Dachman's practical guide is essential reading for the scores of American fathers routinely excluded from their children's lives by a biased legal system in which avarice and recrimination too often overwhelm compassion and justice.

... You can end your custody battle without giving in, giving up or going broke. [This work] contains insider tips that will show you how you can save thousands of dollars, improve your relationship with your kids, sleep better at night, and put the family law courts behind you. -- P.[4] of cover.

Women are still discovering-the hard way-just how difficult and unpredictable child custody cases can be. The first and most comprehensive book of its kind, this is a complete insider's guide filled with crucial advice from judges, lawyers, therapists, and mothers who have experienced this challenging legal process. It is designed for women at every stage of divorce and covers a wide range of legal strategies, as well as financial and psychological issues. This updated edition describes how to use technology advantageously and pitfalls to avoid, as well as changes in interstate custody laws and essential topics such as: - Choosing a lawyer - What to expect before and in court - Blended families - Domestic violence risk factors for women - What makes a custody agreement good or bad - Dealing with your emotions - Parental kidnapping cases - An appendix of recommended reading

Help! is the first word a parent yells when dealing with a child custody battle. Author Guy White cuts through and captures the essence of how child custody cases are won and lost. Child Custody A to Z navigates you through the flawed system of justice. Evidence is the most overlooked aspect of a child custody case. This book explains and addresses: How to choose an attorney How to impeach court experts How to gather evidence How to expose a personality disorder How to investigate your case Child Custody A to Z is replete with case studies that tell the real story of the controversial game of child custody. There is no substitute for preparation. White reveals judges, attorneys and court experts for their bias and incompetence. The author takes you through the step-by-step formula for winning with evidence.