ACLU of Montana Defends Parents’ and Children’s Rights

The Montana Supreme Court heard oral arguments last Friday on a legal appeal that could set precedent for whether children have a right to maintain relationships with both their parents after a break-up. “We are in court today to guarantee that the two children Michelle Kulstad and Barbara Maniaci raised together are able to have a relationship with both of their parents,” said American Civil Liberties Union of Montana Legal Director Betsy Griffing. “It would be cruel to these children if they were barred from spending time with Michelle and from continuing to receive the love and support she has shown them since they entered her home. We hope this case establishes a precedent that a biological or adoptive parent cannot shut out a co-parent’s relationship with their children simply because it has become inconvenient.” The Montana District Court ruled last fall that Kulstad was entitled to joint custody of the two children she raised with former partner Maniaci. Maniaci appealed the decision, bringing the case to the Supreme Court.
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