July
4, 2000
I was wondering if I could tell the doctor my story.
I'm an attorney in northern California and I had a custody case where I
represented the mother in a battle against an abusive father. I faced an
uphill battle because the family court services counselor suggested that
the father have custody of the two boys ages 10 and 14. I talked to a
child psychologist who explained the difficulties of the case and how it
is hard for children to have to choose between parents. the boys loved
their father.
I was lucky because I had a very patient judge who let me paint the
picture of how the father's abuse affected the children. they would pick
fights with other children at school.
in the end I won the custody fight for the mother and the court
recommended parenting classes to the father
CI
Dear CI,
How wonderful! And how sad... I
wonder about family court services counselors and what training they have.
But, I suppose it's like everything else: there are knowledgeable judges
and counselors, and there are not. Good for you for educating one more
little piece of the world!
Best wishes, Dr. Irene
