Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA Metro/Family Law

On December 24, 2009, David Goldman was reunited with his son Sean after a bitter five-year custody battle with his ex-wife, Bruna Bianchi. Though ultimately successful, Goldman's case illustrates some of the difficulties parents in the United States face when involved in cross-border custody disputes.

The Goldman family was living in New Jersey when Bianchi took Sean to her native Brazil for what was supposed to be a two-week vacation. Instead, Bianchi filed for divorce upon her arrival and received an order from a Brazilian court granting her sole custody of Sean. Goldman soon sought and received an order granting him sole custody from a New Jersey court, thus setting the stage for a legal battle that would draw extensive media coverage and attention from political circles, including President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

At issue in the Goldman case was the application of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which provides a method for the expeditious return of children taken from one member nation to another. Both the United States and Brazil signed and ratified the Convention, which allows a child's "habitual residence" - usually the country where the child lived prior to abduction - to decide matters of child custody. Most importantly, the Convention provides for the swift return of the child to his or her country of habitual residence when a parent submits a proper petition under the treaty.

No one enters a marriage thinking it will fail. Unfortunately, however, many marriages do not work out. As unnecessary as it may seem to consider a prenuptial agreement, couples should always work to ensure the safety of their assets in the event of a divorce.

Prenuptial agreements are not selfish reservations of property, but rather an opportunity for couples to develop a detailed plan for their future, financial and otherwise. For example, a properly drafted prenuptial agreement can help ensure that children from a previous marriage are provided for, or that family heirlooms remain in a spouse's family, regardless of what may happen in the marriage.

Every change or development in California family law has the potential to impact thousands if not millions of people's lives. That is why it is important for family law attorneys to keep a close eye on the latest legal decisions, statutory amendments, and relevant social and economic research.

At the Diamond Law Firm, we have the practical experience and analytic tools to respond quickly to current events that affect our family law practice.

Attorneys Joseph Diamond -- a certified public accountant (CPA) with more than 20 years of high-end experience -- and John Diamond -- a family law specialist certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization -- are devoted to keeping on top of information and perspectives that enable us to better serve our clients.

On this blog, we will write about developments of interest to our diverse range of Los Angeles-area divorce and family law clients. To discuss your specific circumstances with a knowledgeable lawyer who is fully prepared to help you pursue a positive resolution, call us toll free at 888-770-1015 or send us an e-mail.