An unsparing examination of a father's child custody case. The chronicle of a father's experience in a California court trying to gain equitable custody of his only child. Author takes reader through the heart-wrenching human and economic costs of divorce and child custody as he investigates policies and practices that shape and are influenced by family law.& ; & ; Reflections on life in and out of the courtroom about parenthood, problems with family law and our court system, government, gender relations, decline of our civic character, the damage of deceit and the future of marriage and family.& ; & ; Hard-hitting with wry commentary as author examines problems that can arise from our legal, political and social traditions.