There has to be a new legal examination and definition of what constitutes parental rights. A child does not choose to be born, is not guaranteed kind and loving parents.
A child is unable to protect him/her self. Therefore, in determining rights, tespecially in custody battles, the helpless child should be protected to the fullest extent, taking priority over parental rights. We need a new child's bill of rights, granting a child every priviledge which the parent enjoys, and then some, to compensate for any parental victimization. There are plenty of defense lawyers, plenty of power in the courts to protect the rights of the parent. The child is more or less "lacking judicial value" in a courtroom, has no money, no professional status, doesn't vote in the judges who make his/her life-changing decisions. There simply are not enough advocates for the littlest pawns in custody battles. A child should not be regarded as a possession rather than a gift to be treasured.
Sorry if none of this makes sense and sounds too much like wishful thinking outloud. I get carried away when I see how so many children are abused through the legal system that should be there to protect them, and fail, with disastrous consequences.
IMHO