Domestic Abuse, Child Custody, and Visitation

Toby Kleinman, JD, is a New Jersey attorney and a partner in the law firm of Adler & Kleinman. She has litigated domestic violence, child custody and abuse cases and has been a consultant in legal cases dealing with domestic violence and child abuse in over 45 states. Daniel Pollack, JD, MSW, is Professor in the School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. He has been an expert witness in more than 25 states. Case subject matter includes child abuse and neglect, and abuse and wrongful death of children in foster care, residential care, and day care.

Preface
Introduction

1. A Great Judicial Fallacy

2. Defining The Problem - Representing a Battered Woman in Divorce

3. Memory

4. Language is Important to Victims

5. Understanding The Impact of Violence on Children

6. The Attorney-Client Interview: Its importance and implications

7. Pleading The Case

8. The Litigation Continued

9. Using and Choosing Experts

10. Developing Strategies

11. Family Courts Must Demand Science

12. The "Best Interest" Standard vs. Standard to Assure Child Safety

13. The Intersection of Forensic Opinion and Therapist Testimony

14. Custody Evaluations, Therapy Child Protection and Ethics

15. Mental Health Professionals Take Risks When Evaluating Children

16. Domestic Abuse and Child Protection: Is What We Are Doing Working?

17. Conclusion: An Open Letter to a Young Lawyer: A Critical Look at the Child Custody System and What Every Mental Health Person Should know about Lawyers

18. Kids Grow Up

References and Suggested Readings
Index