People in Texas who are Uma Thurman fans might have heard that she is involved in a hostile custody battle with the father of her 4-year-old daughter. Arpad Busson, the child's father, is a French national and limited in how often he can travel to New York due to health problems. However, a court-appointed psychologist who testified on Jan. 13, the first day of the custody hearing, said that the child is not old enough to spend two weeks at her father's property in the Bahamas. According to the psychologist, longer visits will be more appropriate when she is older.
The ex-couple is also clashing over what school their daughter will attend. Thurman wants her to attend a school in New York, but Busson does not approve of her choice.
The psychologist remarked that the relationship between the two parents is so hostile that they should avoid being in the same room together. She also countered claims from Busson's attorney that suggested Thurman was unstable. She said that the most important factor for their child at her age is consistency.
When parents separate, placing their children's needs first and making decisions that are in their best interests can be critical in helping the children adjust. In some cases, this might mean conceding to the other parent's wishes. Parents may want to make an effort to negotiate child custody and visitation and make a parenting plan with their attorneys outside of court. If they do go to court, a judge will make decisions based on the best interests of the child, but parents might be less satisfied with the judge's decision than one they negotiate.