NJ FATHER TRIES TO BEAT ODDS FOR CUSTODY OF SON TAKEN TO BRAZIL
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Newark - (WBGO News 3/18/2009)

David Goldman says his son Sean is about a foot taller since he last saw him four years ago. The two met last weekend when Goldman traveled to Brazil for a court-ordered psychological test.

“He’s still a good boy. He’s my son.”

The boy was taken to Brazil in 2004 by his mother who later divorced Goldman. She died last year after giving birth to a child by her second husband who’s a lawyer from Rio de Janeiro. Both children are being raised by his family.

University of Pennsylvania’s Richard Gelles says the International Hague Convention should protect Goldman’s rights. However,

“Countries kind of play fast and loose with that convention. They may abide by it, but say they’re extenuating circumstance that they may not honor it in this case.”

Dean Gelles says without deep pockets and powerful connections in Washington, parents in Goldman’s situation have little to no recourse.

© 3/18/2009 WBGO News