Most people have likely forgotten about the dramatic custody battle that has been playing out for over a year now in Brazil. The case of David Goldman, an American father who has been fighting a seemingly endless battle to win custody of his son, Sean, has reached another ruling: A federal court has ruled 3-0 that Sean should be returned to his father. Although it seems as though the case should be over, those familiar with it know that an appeal will be filed by Sean's stepfather and that Goldman shouldn't expect his son home in time for the holidays.
It all started in 2004 when Goldman's ex-wife, Bruna Bianchi, went to visit family in Brazil for two weeks with their son. She never returned, obtained a divorce, and remarried another man. She passed away in September of 2008 while giving birth to a daughter. Despite the fact that Goldman is the biological father, Sean's stepfather has had the power to keep Sean in Brazil. The court has ruled before that Sean should return home, but an appeal overturned that ruling and a back-and-forth game has been played out for the past year. Goldman has seen his son once during this time under supervision. Both parties have stated that Sean, 9, is being subjected to psychological battery and may endure trauma from the custody battle.
Goldman plans to travel to Brazil as early as today from hsi home in New Jersey. The stepfather has said he will file another appeal. It may be of little use this time as the ruling today cited that Sean remaining in Brazil would violate a treaty that states that children of cross-border child abductions should be returned to the home country, which is the United States in this case.
Perhaps this story will have a happy -and final- ending after all.
Source: MSNBC
Comments
I hope this case resolves, the torture being done emotionally to this child by not following laws from the early days of the abduction has been inhumane to him and the father, put unnecessary strains on others and courts. I was a child who changed "familial" home at an older agep; Sean will be able to rebond with his father in the US with proper counseling and support. Every day delayed is a tragedy for them both.
No, we haven't forgotten about this 'dramatic custody battle'!
Good for this parent and his child!
Pryaing to hear Friday that they are on plane and have left Brazil.
oh there is NO place like home for the Holidays!
- We have not forgotten about Sean
- Please do all you (media and others) can to publicize this and make sure that Sean returns to his father -- we need to increase the grassroots effort in Brazil itself -- make others aware of this
And the connection to Seattle is....
Sean is being held hostage by a corrupt court system. If I was David I would just have kidnapped my son back.
However, David is a man that has played by all the rules.
His only interest is his son.
Over 4.5 years of heartbreak.
Sean needs to come home with the one true fater that loves him.
I am boycotting Brazil and all products from there!
Sean perdeu a mãe, mas não o pai!
Enfim, a Justiça foi feita!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!