Opinion ID: 2231937
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Plaintiff first asserts the trial court erred in modifying the divorce decree by granting defendant visitation rights outside her home.

Text: To justify a change of visitation rights the petitioner must show there has been a change of circumstances since the divorce decree. However as to modification of visitation rights as compared to child custody changes the general rule is that a much less extensive change of circumstances need be shown in visitation right cases. Remsburg v. Remsburg, Iowa, 180 N.W.2d 461, 463; Smith v. Smith, 258 Iowa 1315, 1317, 142 N.W.2d 421, 422. The rationale of the above rule is that the best interest of a child ordinarily requires continuing association with his noncustodial parent unless the contrary is clearly shown. Anthony v. Anthony, Iowa, 204 N.W.2d 829, 833; Spotts v. Spotts, 197 N.W.2d 370, 372; Green v. Sherman, Iowa, 173 N.W.2d 843, 847. Although the record is scant, we believe the present age of the children, defendant's new home environment and the possibility of establishing a better relationship of the boys with their father justify the visitation modification as ordered by the trial court. II. To justify modification of a child support provision some material and substantial change since the date of the decree must be shown in the circumstances of the parties, financial or otherwise, making it equitable that other or different terms be imposed. Spaulding v. Spaulding, Iowa, 204 N.W.2d 634, 635; McDonald v. McDonald, Iowa, 183 N.W.2d 186, 188; Sandler v. Sandler, Iowa, 165 N.W.2d 799, 800; Jensen v. Jensen, 253 Iowa 1013, 1014, 1015, 114 N.W.2d 920, 921 and citations. Our de novo review of the record leads us to the same conclusion reached by the trial court in his first findings of fact and conclusions of law. We need not reach defendant's argument the trial court's lack of knowledge of his physical condition at decree time gives some basis for changing the support provision. We are unable to understand how it is material. Defendant has lost no pay because of sickness. In three years defendant's income has increased approximately 30 percent. The boys, particularly Douglas, need and must have substantial financial help from their father. We hold defendant failed to prove material and substantial change of circumstances justifying a reduction of child support provisions of the divorce decree. The trial court erred in ordering the change of child support to be paid from $325 to $200 per month. The modification order as to expanded visitation rights is affirmed. The order for reduction of child support payments is reversed. Costs of this appeal are taxed against defendant. Affirmed in part. Reversed in part. This case is remanded for order consistent with our holdings herein.