American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Offers Statement on Goldman Child Custody Case

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), an organization comprised of the nation’s top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys, has released a statement on the Goldman international child custody case and the need for the country of Brazil to return the boy to his father in the United States:

“Because the rights and best interests of a child must always take precedence, the AAML believes that Brazil should do everything within its power to return Sean Goldman and uphold the previously agreed to tenets of The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction,” said Gary Nickelson, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. “As one of the signatory countries to Hague, the Brazilian government should never look the other way while a parent takes a child and violates valid court orders and the provisions of this international agreement.”

The Goldman child custody case centers on Sean Goldman, an 8-year-old boy from New Jersey who was taken by his Brazilian born mother back to her home country in 2004. She proceeded to divorce the boy’s father, David Goldman, and remarry. Sean’s mother died in 2008, but now his Brazilian stepfather is claiming child custody rights. David Goldman continues efforts to bring his son back home to the United States and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently voiced support for Sean’s return to the Brazilian government.

About AAML

Founded in 1962, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is committed to encouraging the study, improving the practice, elevating the standards, and advancing the cause of matrimonial law, in order to better protect the welfare of American families.

Comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation, members are recognized experts in the specialized areas of matrimonial law, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, annulment, custody, property valuation and division, support, and the rights of unmarried couples.

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