Opinion ID: 1878886
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The determination of which parent has the best parenting skills as well as the willingness and capacity to provide primary child care

Text: ¶ 16. After scrutinizing the evidence presented under this factor, the chancellor found that [B]oth parties cared equally for the child prior to their separation, and that both parties are found to have contributed equally to the continuity of care of the child prior to their separation. That both parties participated in feeding, clothing, changing and taking care of the child's needs and wants, and that each cared for the child's everyday needs. There was little testimony as to the parenting skills of the parties, and the Court finds that either partythat neither parties [sic] parenting skills, willingness and capacity to take care of the child, is greater than the other. This finding is not entirely supported by Tim's testimony and is directly contradicted by Beth's testimony. Tim admitted that he had not paid his child support obligations regularly, forcing Beth to garnish his wages. He also admitted not visiting Zach for approximately two months during the final separation. Beth further testified that Tim failed to pay any child support for Zach for four months during the separation. ¶ 17. Prior to the separation, Beth testified that she had the primary responsibility of caring for her two children. She estimated that she provided approximately ninety percent of the direct care for Zach, such as changing, feeding, and supervising him, as well as doing laundry and other housework. Beth shared cooking duties with Tim. Tim testified that he helped change and feed Zach, but qualified his testimony adding that he provided said care in the evenings or on his days off. Tim's work schedule prohibits consistent, in depth care of the child. ¶ 18. The chancellor found that neither parent held an advantage over the other here. From the entirety of the record, it is clear that Beth provided primary child care and if from familiarity or practice alone, holds an advantage over Tim in this area.