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NBA Player and Ex-Wife Come to End of Bitter Custody Dispute

| Jan 24, 2011 | Fathers' Rights

For some couples, divorce proceedings move smoothly and end with both somewhat satisfied with the outcomes. For others, divorce proceedings are only the beginning of a stressful and emotional time in life. NBA player Dwayne Wade had recently officially divorced from his wife in the summer of 2010 after three years of divorce proceedings.

But it wasn’t over. In the past few months, Wade has been attempting to get full custody of his children, two young boys. Typically, courts determine custody arrangements based on what’s in the best interests of the children involved. Though historically mothers have been given greater preference, recently the shift towards the children’s interests has given equal consideration for fathers’ rights.

The custody battle between Wade and his ex-wife has not been pretty. Wade’s attorneys contend that his ex-wife has refused to allow him to see their children. They also believe that Wade should get full custody because of his ex-wife’s mental instability and somewhat violent tendencies.

The ex-wife’s attorney claims that she should get full custody because she has been present in the boys’ lives, unlike Wade who not established much of a connection with the children at this point.

Last week, the custody hearings concluded and the judge will soon make a decision as to who should be granted full custody. The court-appointed guardian of the two boys believes that Wade should be granted full custody and that the boys have already suffered enough throughout the child custody and divorce process.

Again, the court’s main concern will be what is in the best interest of the children involved, whether that is full custody for either Wade or his ex-wife. The guardian believes that the boys would benefit from having both parents involved in their lives to some extent.

Source: The Chicago Tribune online, “Closings heard in Dwayne Wade child custody case,” Dawn Rhodes, 21 January 2011

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