The children win

Having practiced family law in California for 33 years, representing both mothers and fathers, I applaud the California Supreme Court’s decision in Marriage of La Musga (“Moving? Not If You Want to Keep Custody,” by Bettijane Levine, June 2). The previous rule, set out in Marriage of Burgess, was arbitrary and cruel, and failed to take into account a basic fact of life: When people have children, they give up freedom. A conscientious parent assumes huge responsibilities, including that of nurturing the child’s relationship with the other parent. Children need both parents, and a move with the children by one parent undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent.

Jan C. Gabrielson

Los Angeles