NJ father in custody dispute urges tougher laws

(AP) - The New Jersey man at the center of aninternational custody battle is lobbying for legislation that wouldrequire more U.S. help to resolve such cases. David Goldman is seeking custody of his 9-year-old

News 12 Staff

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Jul 16, 2009, 8:14 PM

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Updated 5,682 days ago

(AP) - The New Jersey man at the center of aninternational custody battle is lobbying for legislation that wouldrequire more U.S. help to resolve such cases.

David Goldman is seeking custody of his 9-year-old son, who'sbeing raised in Brazil by the boy's stepfather.

Goldman said Thursday during his visit to Capitol Hill thatthere's a crisis with "our American children being taken abroad."

Legislation by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., would require bettertracking of these kind of cases. The proposal also would spell outwhat the U.S. could do to uncooperative countries.

Goldman's wife took the boy to Brazil in 2004. She died lastyear in childbirth.

A Brazilian judge has decided the boy must remain with thestepfather until a final ruling in the case.