Fact & Fiction: Classic Family Law and Child Custody Cases in Film
Like every other area of legal practice, family law carries its own set of complex characteristics. Not only is it an area of law that is quite involved, but there is an undeniable amount of human emotion that is embedded in every case. As family law attorneys, we know just how difficult these cases can get because of that. In fact, these cases are such a part of our popular culture that many a film has explored the idea of parental separation and child custody. If you’re going through a divorce or are embarking on the journey to one, we know that the road ahead seems uncertain and a little overwhelming. We’re here to help. Stories about this common occurrence permeate our pop culture and film because many Americans have to contend with these realities on a daily basis.
According to the American Psychological Association, about 40 to 50% of couples divorce. It is likely that most people know someone who has been through a divorce or were part of a family that was. Our goal at Rios & Parada is to treat every case with the respect and compassion that it deserves. This is because every case is wrought with difficult emotional complexities. Perhaps because this is a common part of life, there have been many depictions of it in film and popular stories. We thought we’d take a look at some classic ones.
Mrs. Doubtfire — A Comedy Classic With a Heart Warming Message
Who could forget the legendary Robin Williams in one of his most memorable roles as Mrs. Doubtfire, the cross-dressing nanny? This Hollywood movie hit home for a lot of families who were going through similar circumstances. It was especially poignant because of Williams’ unique performance and comedic style.
The plot deals with a recently divorced family and a father that was looking for ways to spend time with his kids. Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams, devises a creative—to say the least—plan to be with his children. His plan consists of dressing up as a British nanny. He manages to convince his ex-wife to hire him and this endeavor leads him to become a better parent and learning things about his kids he had not before. It also comes with its own set of other challenges. In the end, his disguise is figured out but the film talks about the complexities that arise from a family that has been separated or divorced and the impact it may have on the children.
Liar, Liar — Over the Top With a Worthy Message
This is another classic, as it is now 23 years old. The film, however, showcases an attorney who has recently been divorced and is struggling to keep it together. The film doesn’t exactly paint attorneys in the best of light but the key part of the story is that Fletcher, played by Jim Carrey, keeps letting down his son when it comes to the visitations. The story paints him as a liar that seems to be mostly concerned with himself and making money. A birthday wish made by his son changes everything and forces Fletcher to tell the truth; this makes him realize just how much time he had been missing with his son.
Kramer vs. Kramer — A Classic Tale of Love and Disappointment
In a classic story of a dissolved love and marriage, the tale of advertisement executive Ted Kramer and Joanna. The beginning of the film begins with Joanna abandoning Ted and their son Billy—a cute blond-haired little boy. The story, like many others that deal with family separation, often discovers a lost connection between members of the family. In this case, Joanna’s abandonment forces Ted to rekindle the connection between him and his son. The film focuses on the two as they build this bond and the painful family feud that would lead to a strained custody case. Like many film dramas, the court case scenes are often over-dramatized. This is an effective technique when it comes to film, although it doesn’t always accurately depict the way family court is held or the role of the attorney. Lawyers in movies are not always depicted in the most positive and accurate light, as they seem to be painted as self-interested parties that have little investment in the well being of their clients. In the end, the film shows the sacrifice and the difficult nature of relationships.
Fiction vs. Real-Life — Working with You For Your Family
In the end, a fictional account is likely to stretch the truth about custody cases and divorce cases. The over-dramatization can make the road ahead seem somewhat overwhelming. It’s important to remember that fiction tends to exaggerate certain aspects and is there for entertainment purposes. Here at Rios & Parada, our mission is to work with people that are searching for the best result for their family and children. This often means contending with a law that is not always straightforward or easy to understand. This is why having an experienced attorney at your side is the best option. Call an attorney you trust today.