An Ohio divorce may be hard on former partners, but it is often hardest on their children, especially if there is a good deal of animosity between the parents. Hostile feelings between parents may prompt the unhealthy act of using the children as emotional weapons. That may be the case in the divorce of former U.S. Senator Al D’Amato and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Katuria Smith D’Amato.
The couple married 14 years ago and have two children together. Their children, a 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, have their own attorney who has gone before a judge to convey how much the children missed their mother. This action led to the parents’ agreement to share custody. However, the boy has reportedly said his father told him he would never see his mother again and then bought the child expensive toys to appease him.
According to hospital documents D’Amato’s attorney shared in court, Ms. Smith has recently undergone evaluation for a psychotic paranoid episode. Her attorney’s response to the claim acknowledged she has ADHD and may have irrational moments. Her visitation agreement requires her own mother to be present during her time with the children. The former couple will return to court in the near future for a more specific ruling.
Finding an acceptable custody arrangement between former partners does not have to be a difficult process when keeping the well-being of the children as the focus. The divorce process has enough headaches on its own without complicating it by a battle over such a sensitive issue. In Ohio, a family law attorney will work to protect the client’s interest in negotiating a child custody arrangement that safeguards the client’s interest while also focused on upholding the best interests of any children involved.
Source: New York Post, “Estranged wife says D’Amato used kids as pawns in divorce“, Kevin Sheehan and Julia Marsh View, Oct. 11, 2017
