Anthony Zappin, a 30 year old patent lawyer, who graduated from law school in 2010, married Claire Comfort, who is also a patent lawyer. They had one child together. They filed for divorce in New York in 2013. The custody trial is scheduled for November. Zappin, representing himself, is showing us things NOT to do in a child custody battle:

• Insult the judges. Zappin told one judge that she was lying. He wrote a note to another that said “You’re pathetic!”
• Alienate the child’s attorney. Refuse to pay half her fees as ordered. Create a web site in her name. Call her “a very sick and greedy woman.”
• Alienate the child evaluation expert. Zappin filed a complaint with the state against the psychiatrist the child’s attorney hired to evaluate the child.
• Sue in other courts during the divorce. Zappin sued his wife in New York County Family Court; sued his wife, her family and her lawyers in federal district courts in the Southern District of New York and the District of Columbia; and brought proceedings against judges in his case.

Justice Cooper has ordered Zappin to pay $10,000 for his actions in the case. Zappin said he intends to appeal.