Should You Really Seek Custody Of Your Child? [Paperback]

Although the subtitle of the book refers to the best interests of the parent in considering who should have custody, in truth as one reads the book it becomes clear that what is best for the children really is the primary consideration, and by extension what is best for the children is really best for parents who love their children.

Clearly if one parent is not capable of taking care of the child for whatever reason (and Kerman gives a list of reasons, including alcoholism, drug dependancy, a significant other who would not like having the children around, lack of a stable home environment, lack of maturity, or just plan don't want the responsibility, etc.) that parent should not seek custody. But parents who seek custody simply because they want control or because they want revenge or want to avoid paying child support should rethink their position. If there are not substantial reasons that relate to the welfare of the children over and above the purely psychological and selfish reasons, then the parent who really cares about not only the children but about his or her own welfare may want to allow the other parent custody.

Kerman's book is set in large type that is easily read by the farsighted and there is a lot of white space for notes. She presents her methodology in seven thorough, almost exhaustive steps which, if followed, will lead almost certainly to a correct assessment of the situation and to a correct decision regarding who should have custody. It's clear that Kerman did not want to leave anything to chance or allow a wrong decision through ignorance. She considers the practical, the psychological, the legal and the human aspects of the question. You will learn what to expect from the courts and what others in similar situations experienced. Kerman sprinkles the text with case histories that illuminate the legalities and psychology involved.

When you are through reading this book you will be in a position to determine not only who should have custody, but how you should go about realizing that and what difficulties you might encounter. This is an entire course in child custody dynamics in a book. I would say not only should you buy this book yourself and read it if a custody question is on the horizon, but you should send a copy to your spouse and your lawyers! If your kids are ten or eleven years old or older, have them read it too! Everybody will benefit from the knowledge and understanding that Kerman brings to bare.

I will tell you one thing for sure: you will be at a significant disadvantage if you don't read this book. Dr. Kerman really knows her stuff and I don't think she left out anything of importance.