Parents will do most anything for their children. This is why forming child custody arrangements may become the most difficult aspect of settling a divorce. Both parents want to what’s best for their children, but longstanding disagreements can prevent them from reaching common ground. Right now, actress Kelly Rutherford is going through a lengthy custody dispute, which is an experience she shares with many Texas parents.
According to reports, the “Gossip Girl” actress has been spending the last several months trying to obtain custody of her children. Last year, both of her young kids were put in the custody of Rutherford’s ex-husband. Additionally, the father’s visa was revoked, and he was sent back to France with the kids.
Since that initial custody decision was made by a family court judge, Rutherford has spent a lot of time and money trying to resolve the dispute and obtain custody of her children. Much of her money — including acting income and other investments — has funded her international travel to see her children and try to negotiate with her father.
However, there are a number of safeguards that limit a traveling party’s ability to relocate the child without permission. For example, when applying for a passport for a child under the age of 16, a parent must either be able to show proof of sole custody or have a court order allowing international travel. Additionally, parents can also enroll their children into the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program, which notifies a parent if a passport is requested in his or her child’s name.
Under the current arrangement, the children are only scheduled to return to the United States for summer holidays. This element of uncertainty caused one media outlet to call the ruling “one of the worst custody decisions ever.” Despite financial struggles, Rutherford hopes that she can modify the current arrangement in a September court hearing.
Sometimes, parents can serve their children best by putting aside their own interests and working to put together an arrangement that truly benefits all parties involved. Consulting with a trustworthy attorney may help put an individual on the path to working out a custody agreement in a civil and thoughtful manner.
Source: Business Insider, “‘Gossip Girl’ Star Kelly Rutherford On The Brink Of Bankruptcy After Bitter Custody Fight,” Aly Weisman, April 30, 2013
