Conference quark::mennotes-v1

414.0. "Bias against Fathers" by MPGS::BOYAN () Fri Feb 16 1990 13:49

Dear All,

  Presently, I and another divorced father are trying to organize
a group of those whom feel that they have been the victims of gender
bias (against fathers) in the Probate Courts System of Massachusetts
in regard to divorce and attendant settlements.  

  I and many other men have been the victims of outrageous divorce
settlements stripping us of children, home, property, possessions,
majority of pay.....the list goes on.  As a result of divorce we are
lowered to the status of economic pack-mules, no longer considered
that we are fathers that love our children.  In the consideration
of the children, however, the courts strip the man financially, award
all marital debts to him, separate him from his children ("Visitation
Rights!?") and virtually toss him into the gutter.

  Most importantly ,along with economic deprivation, we also suffer
the interference and sometimes outright denial of visitation with our
children, with little or no redress from the courts. We are viewed as
some form of criminal by judges and definitely treated as such by state
bureaucracies. 
  
  Second wives and grandparents are also victims.

  If this has happened to you and wish to do something about it, then
please send mail to either of the following:

                  Ron Boyan
                  MPGS::BOYAN
                  237-3657

                  Doug Dalrymple
                  MFGMEM::DALRYMPLE
                  297-7512

  Both Doug and I have spoken extensively to and have gained the full
support of a leading senior member of the Massachusetts House of
Represenatives.  The Represenative has given us the support of her
staff, is setting up a committee to investigate the issues involved,
and has arranged for a few interviews with the press and media. 
She also said that she definitely has the attention "of but not a few"
figures on Capitol Hill. She has also enlisted the efforts of a staff
of legislative researchers.  And she is going to have our testimony
before a legislative panel.

  One thing is missing, though.  *YOU*

  Please write.

                                               Ron

    Good for you and your efforts, Ron. 
    
    Even though I was raised by my Dad after my parents divorced, and
    even though the likelyhood of being a daddy is pretty dern remote
    ;) , I've often thought that divorces seemed FAR more unfair to
    fathers/the men than the mothers/women.
    
    Good luck in your endeavors!!!  Glad to see someone doing something
    about it.
    
    ---kim

    
    Another vote for your success Ron, I know there are a lot of cases
    where the Father gets the raw end of the deal as with the other
    way around.  Here's hoping your efforts help make the divorces and
    custody fair for both parties.
    
    Kim

    
    I too am behind you!
    
    			Good Luck Ron!!!