Opinion ID: 1989497
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Entry of Default Judgment Without Determining Best Interests of the Child Constituted Abuse of Discretion

Text: The Family Court's entry of a default judgment against a party for failing to appear, plead or otherwise defend in accordance with the Family Court Rules is reviewed by this Court for abuse of discretion. [7] In this case, the Family Court's entry of a default judgment against Father without determining the best interests of the child in accordance with the required statutory factors [8] constituted a clear abuse of discretion. Mother's motion requested a major change in the circumstances of the parties' two children, one of whom has serious health problems. The consent order in effect at the time of the hearing reflected the parties' clear intention that Father would maintain residential custody. The Family Court was obligated to conduct a hearing and articulate facts sufficient to establish a basis for any change to that arrangement. [9] Moreover, as the record in this case clearly reflects, Mother has had mental health issues in the past. The Family Court had a clear obligation to inquire into Mother's current circumstances, including her ability to manage residential custody of the parties' children.