[Mercat]

Sadly, the stuff leading up to this tragedy is heard over and over again in custody cases. The judge probably wanted to order a psych eval but who was going to pay for it. It typically costs between $3-10,000.00. Some of the larger counties have a home study process but that's usually done by just out of school ditsy social workers who have no children or live experience. They hit it right about one/half of the time. Not very good odds. Fact is, can't protect the children if the parents go nuts. I've been doing custody law for 28 years. Never had a child die. Had a few parties off themselves. Was at the court house twice when parties took their lives.. one also killed his wife. All of which is why I am going to try to work myself out of the litigation business in the next year. It's just too hard not to mention corrupts my soul and Pope JPII said to get out of the business too.

[Orangedog]

All of which is why I am going to try to work myself out of the litigation business in the next year. It's just too hard not to mention corrupts my soul and Pope JPII said to get out of the business too.

The law schools are filling up quick now that engineering and techincal jobs are going away. Sadly it seems that law is the only growth industry we have left.

[FITZ]

why I am going to try to work myself out of the litigation business in the next year

Maybe they need better people in the litigation business --- maybe you should stay. I think sometimes the lawyers help make problems because that gets them richer --- but maybe the right advise could help in some of these cases, someone telling a parent the money isn't really worth a big war. Or reminding them that the children should not be used in divorce tug-of-wars.

[ValerieUSA]

Perhaps hearing this stuff over and over again prevents courts from actually listening to and carefully considering the merits in each case. This poor family was further victimized by prejudice in the court. Pray for discernment.