College Mom Loses Custody

I am appalled at the decision of the Mt. Clemens, Mich., judge who awarded the young unwed college student’s 3-year-old daughter to the child’s father because his mother promised to take care of the child full time (July 27). Why, he only is allowing the child’s mother visitation rights on alternate weekends, holidays and other times. This is a horrendous judgment. He should be admiring her determination to better herself with a college education instead of being on welfare.

My compromise suggestion is to let the grandmother take care of Maranda during the day in place of the present arrangements and allow the young mother to take her home into her care as she has been doing for the past three years. If need be, a transfer to a closer college might be advisable.

MIRIAM B. MASON

Woodland Hills

Those people who are shocked and dismayed that Maranda’s father gained custody of her due in part to her stay-at-home paternal grandmother should really focus their energy on a system that grants custody to only one parent. Why wasn’t joint custody granted in the first place, with Maranda spending half of her time living with each parent? Probably, as usual, because courts have always bent over backward to grant custody to mothers because they stay at home. Women’s advocates can’t have it both ways, getting custody because they stay at home and then keeping custody when they leave home to work or go to school.

Good mothers and good fathers each deserve equal custody of their children whether the parent works, goes to school or just stays at home. Children deserve equal time living with each parent. Let’s be sensible and stop the squabbling over the ridiculous issue of day care versus grandma. Both are viable options to be decided by a parent when the child is in his or her custody. Joint physical and legal custody should be granted in the first place. It is in everyone’s best interest.

KAREN J. NUDELL

Studio City

It is completely unacceptable that the justice system would allow such ridiculousness to take place. Jennifer Ireland apparently has worked hard in order to both have care provided for her child as well as gaining an education to better both of their lives. She has done well for three years and the child is accustomed to the day care where she probably has many friends. So to say that she would be surrounded by strangers is way off base. This is an indictment of the entire day-care system in the U.S. It is sad that a judge would rather see a mother on welfare than to try to make something of herself.

PHILIP R. RIEGEL

Moreno Valley