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Did the judge make the right decision in denying the mother?

A Virginia Judge goes against the grain and grants a father full custody of the man's five-year-old daughter. The child has been in the custody and care of the mother for two years, but it has been proven that the mother was giving false allegations about sexual abuse charges against the father and using military tactics to build a barrier between the father and daughter while also convincing child care workers, counselors, and professionals that the child should remain in the care of the mother.

As the case developed the Judge and jury learned that the mother used military intelligence tactics such as sleep deprivation and rewards of food to manipulate the child. In Judge Kendrick's opinion, the mother used these tactics to further separate the father and daughter. The false allegations of sexual abuse also allowed the mother to further shut out the Marine major father out of the preschooler's life. The mother also isolated the daughter by not allowing her to be around people the mother did not approve of and also established an unhealthy co-dependency between the mother and daughter.

This custody battle took place in a military family setting. Unfortunately for the mother, her frequent international travels did not help her case. The mother moved to different locations every other year; and during the last two years the mother frequently traveled for period of up to four days and left the daughter in the care of others in Italy.

The mother's lack of credibility was the final straw for Judge Kendrick in this case. She had been dishonest with her ex-husband, officials, counselors, the court, and caregivers. The judge awarded full custody to the father who plans to retire in the next three years and reside permanently in Virginia. Hopefully this situation will offer some stability for the daughter. The father's attorney, Michael Murphy, concluded that there was no way the judge could no ignore the findings against the mother. Both the mother and father's attorneys agreed that it is unusual for a judge to come down completely one-sided in a custody battle. The mother's attorney plans to appeal the judge's decision. But will that change his mind?

If you or someone you know is in need of a family law attorney, please contact Attorney Michael S. Weisberg. Mr. Weisberg has been practicing law in Hampton Roads for over 30 years. Call today and set up your free consultation.




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com