Correction and clarification

An Aug. 15, 2001 column by Bill Maxwell incorrectly described a judge's order on custody of the 20-month-old child of Theresa Noelle Ponce of St. Petersburg and Gary Minda of Gulfport, Fla. and Brooklyn, N.Y. Rather than saying the court did not consider the fault or defects in the character of either party in making its decision, as the column reported, the order in fact stated, ""The Court is of the opinion that it does not well serve the parties or the future best interests of [the child] to point out the faults or defects in character of either party. Accordingly, the Court will discuss in generalities the weighing of the factors considered.'' The order then described factors listed in the Florida Statutes which include faults and defects of the parties. The order did not permanently take the child away from the mother but ordered that the child's primary residence will be with the father, with monthly and other visitation with the mother to take place in Florida at the father's expense.

The column failed to state that the mother was represented in the case by several lawyers, including attorneys with the Carlton Fields law firm. In addition, the court has made the basic findings which would entitle the mother to an award of attorneys' fees, costs and suit money to be paid by the father. The mother's request for particular amounts will be the subject of a future court hearing.

The mother, while of Mexican descent, is a U.S. citizen. The column may have been unclear on this point.

The Times apologizes and is pleased to set the record straight.

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