Adrienne Maloof, the estranged wife of a California doctor, recently asked the court to grant a restraining order against her ex-husband. The couple star in the television reality series, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The court granted the request for a restraining order and allowed Maloof to have temporary child custody of the couple’s three sons.
As is the case with many divorces and child custody matters in California, this one is contentious with both sides accusing the other of failing to properly parent the children. In one declaration, Maloof claimed that the children were afraid of their father and that he had even choked one of them. Her husband has denied the claims.
After hearing similar stories from one of the children’s psychologist, a judge decided to award child custody, at least temporarily, to Maloof. Her husband is seeking joint custody as a part of the divorce, while Maloof continues to seek primary custody. The court is expected to decide the matter as the process moves forward, beginning with another hearing said to be scheduled next week.
This couple is not unlike many others in California who are going through a divorce. To be sure statements are being made accurately and in good faith, the assertions by both parties in a divorce may be closely reviewed by the court. It is then left to a judge to sift through the allegations to determine which, if any, are factual and then to make a decision in the best interests of the children involved. Finding a successful resolution to a contentious divorce proceeding may be more swift if couples are willing to put aside any anger or bitterness, and work together to find the best arrangement for their family.
Source: NY Daily News, “Maloof wins temporary custody of sons in ugly divorce case,” Nancy Dillion, Sept. 20, 2012
