1980: an overview: Polovchak case (12/28/80)

1980: an overview

Polovchak case

The custody battle over 12-year-old Walter Polovchak who refused to return to the Soviet Union with his parents, is still unresolved.

Walter's 17-year-old sister Natalie, no longer a minor, decided to remain in the United States. Walter who also did not want to return to the Soviet Union, was granted political asylum on July 21 and has been temporarily placed in a foster home.

Soviet officials maintain that young Walter should be turned over to his parents and insist that the Polovchaks return with their two children.

The Polovchaks are currently being represented by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union who contend that, since Walter is a minor and his parents have not been shown to be incompetent, the state has no right to deny custody of the children to his parents.

Represented Walter is Attorney Julian Kulas who maintains that the boy should not be turned to the Soviet Union against his will, stressing that "it would be to his detriment to return."

The Polovchak case is currently in appellate court. If need be, Attorney Kulas has side he intends to take it to the federal level.

| Home Page |