tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102565543549142384.post7659582479483516675..comments2024-02-24T01:54:03.710-05:00Comments on Regent Law Family Restoration: What are the Limits of the Best Interest of the Child Standard?Regent Law Centershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743497742242077738noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102565543549142384.post-68351378237270144962014-11-23T13:20:56.077-05:002014-11-23T13:20:56.077-05:00I think this problem brings the question as to whe...I think this problem brings the question as to when a court should (or can) begin to look not to the best interests of the child, but to the best interests of the family. Unquestionably, the best interest of the child doctrine is well established. However, this situation shows that sometimes, the best interests of that child are not in the best interests of the family as a whole. I hate to say this, but I feel that the culture of out nation's youth today is becoming increasingly self-obsessed. I know it may be a stretch as an argument, but with the new selfish trend, could this decision and the best interest doctrine give children the ability to merely get what they want so long as an argument can be made that what they want is in their best interests? Though I am not sure at what point it could be applicable, I think that there comes a time in which a court should be looking more towards the best interests of the family and not necessarily just the child.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102565543549142384.post-50172064468590754392014-11-22T12:59:05.382-05:002014-11-22T12:59:05.382-05:00Great post Joi! This is a scary decision in deter...Great post Joi! This is a scary decision in determining the balance between that which is in the best interests of the child and parents' Constitutionally protected right to direct the upbringing of that child. I echo your fears for whether this really was in a child's best interest, not only for the reasons that you highlight, but for the fact that such a decision perpetuates the lie that all problems can be solved with money. Even if the parents lose their appeal, and their daughter gets her yearly tuition money, a rift will have been created between her and her parents, and her parents and her grandparents, that no amount of money can fill. So she may end up with an inexpensive degree (at least from her perspective), but at what cost?Molly Ecclesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7102565543549142384.post-66664687194261203002014-11-21T10:50:59.681-05:002014-11-21T10:50:59.681-05:00This is a fascinating case! As an advocate for uph...This is a fascinating case! As an advocate for upholding the "Best Interests of the Child" doctrine and ensuring we give all children the greatest chance they can have at not only being successful but a responsible adult in society, I think this trend in New Jersey law is dangerous and fostering a culture of codependency. A child is automatically emancipated and seen and treated as an adult as soon as they reach the age of 18. Further, this newly emancipated adult expects to be given all of the liberties and rights that this emancipation from their childhood restrictions entails. Part of this new freedom includes being liable for their own debts and further advancement in life. I personally believe that parents should do everything within their power to continue to aid in this transition into adulthood but every family situation, including its ability and means to help, is different. The court has cracked open a door that has traditionally been closed and may have taken away the right of families to rear and release their children without unnecessary judicial interference with the turning of the door knob.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16943866565606275846noreply@blogger.com