“It always seems impossible until it is done.” —N elson M andela
C reamy B aked P umpkin R isotto
A Thumb on the Scale
HOW UNCHECKED BIAS CAN AFFECT CUSTODY
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Most people recognize there is bias in the judicial system. At The Manely Firm, we see it play out most often in custody cases. Worst of all can be the petty biases that many of us overlook in ourselves every day. When left unchecked, they can produce a great deal of injustice. “People have preconceived notions of mothers and fathers — unfortunately, without them even knowing it,” Michael Manely says. Abusive mothers, absent fathers, or other experiences in a person’s past can often color their perceptions and decision-making. “So, when we’re talking about custody cases, it’s about far more than just what the law says on the subject,” Michael notes. “Instead, what are the perceived truths written on many people’s hearts, and how do we work with them?” He mentions a case of a now-retired judge who refused to grant custody to a father. “He’d always say, ‘I have never seen a calf follow a bull,’” Michael remembers. That’s an extreme example, but the phenomenon still occurs in subtler ways, particularly when a guardian ad litem is appointed. Hundreds of years ago, judges used to go out into the field and fact-find. Now, the guardian ad litem talks to witnesses and makes conclusions about the parents and what’s best for the child. While there are many excellent guardians, it can come down to the luck of the draw, and Michael notes, “The concept of objective truth may be fairly irrelevant.” Instead, the project becomes winning over people who have biases and don’t even realize it. He mentions a current case where a guardian is biased against women with high-profile careers. “But they don’t come out and say, ‘I hate professional women,’” Michael adds. “You have to figure it out by reading between the lines.” The Manely Firm is experienced in these cases and knows how to handle them. But at times, the solution can be less than ideal. In the case of bias against working mothers, “we literally dress our clients in June Cleaver costumes,” Michael says, referencing the 1950s archetypical homemaker on “Leave It to Beaver.” Though deeply unfortunate, adjusting your behavior to a powerful person’s biases is sometimes necessary. Try to keep your thoughts on what matters most — your relationship with your children. And rest assured, we’ll be with you through every step.
I ngredients
•
5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• • • • • •
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
• • • •
2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups of pumpkin, diced
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée
2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
D irections 1.
Heat the oven to 400 F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine broth, rice, diced and puréed pumpkin, and onion. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until evenly combined. 4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until water has been absorbed and rice granules are puffed. 5. Remove from the oven and stir in basil, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, and olive oil.
3
Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator