"Perhaps the fact that a parent knows that it is a factor, but insists on continuing to smoke, suggests less concern for the child than oneself."
The divorce alone should suggest the selfishness of both parents. Of course, I am assuming that the father was not abusive which must be a safe assumption considering the judge's decision to award him custody.
You said: The divorce alone should suggest the selfishness of both parents. Of course, I am assuming that the father was not abusive which must be a safe assumption considering the judge's decision to award him custody.
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Your point is well taken. I wonder who initiated the separation and the divorce, and on what grounds? That would be very much a factor in my mind, although the primary factor is the best interest of the child. I'd also want to know the reason why one parent decided to leave the area.