A little help from Dr. Phil

Sometimes it takes an unbiased professional to help settle a dispute. In the case of transgender father Michael Kantaras and his ex-wife, Linda, it took a television personality. Ending a bitter three-year battle over custody of their two children, Michael and Linda, who divorced in 2002, reached a groundbreaking settlement after an appearance on the Dr. Phil show.

A letter written by Linda's sister prompted the invitation by Dr. Phil, and there was "no downside" to appearing, said Karen Doering, a National Center for Lesbian Rights attorney representing Michael. As a result the former couple agreed to mediation, and on June 10 a Florida judge approved the settlement, which gives both parents custody rights to Matthew, 15, and Irina, 13.

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