Minnesota couples who make the decision to divorce face a lot of important decisions as they work through the process. Finances and children are usually the most important aspects of a divorce. Settling questions of child custody, in particular, may require parents to work together to ensure the well-being of their children. This cooperation often extends beyond the time that the divorce is finalized.
In some cases, however, long-standing disputes make it difficult for parents to cooperate in making their custody arrangement or co-parenting plan work successfully. Recently, federal authorities have charged a man for violating his court-enforced custody arrangement by moving his three children overseas without his ex-wife's endorsement.
As part of the couple's divorce decree, the man had sole physical custody of the children, but the mother was granted visitation time. In addition, the agreement allowed for the man to move the children overseas if the mother approved of the decision.
According to reports, the man told his ex-wife that he was taking their children to his native country, Palestine, for a family wedding, but informed her that they would not be coming back after they left the country. The man indicates he did not violate their divorce settlement because his ex-wife actually approved of his decision to move the children out of the United States. Furthermore, he says that the kids knew they were moving, not just visiting family.
Federal officials have moved forward with charges against the man, because there is some evidence that he forged documents that showed he had arranged a return flight. Furthermore, the woman said she would not consider allowing the children to move to Palestine, because of the politically sensitive situation.
It's obvious that this case involves a complex web of emotions and legal complications, yet both parents seem to want to do the best thing for their children; they just have a major disagreement over what that entails. If parents have difficulty reaching a child custody agreement, it is likely that a family court judge make one for them.
Additionally, this case is a reminder that custody enforcement is just as critical as making the arrangements. If parents do not act according to the terms of their custody agreementment, they may face serious legal consequences.
Source: WVIR-TV News, "US claims father illegally moved kids to Gaza," Roxana Hegeman, May 2, 2012
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