Custody Battle

 

> Oakville Ont.- A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a Toronto > courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should > have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents > and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child > custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the > degree possible. > > The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more > than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge > then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that > they also beat him. > > After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that > domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took > the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have > custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with > child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Toronto > Maple Leafs, whom the boy firmly believes is not capable of beating anyone. Thanks Joe J