Opinion ID: 2051202
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Custody Issue.

Text: We review a custody order de novo. In re Marriage of Forbes, 570 N.W.2d 757, 759 (Iowa 1997). The primary consideration is the best interests of the child. In re Marriage of Ford, 563 N.W.2d 629, 631 (Iowa 1997); Iowa R.App. P. 14(f)(15). Because the trial court had the opportunity to observe the demeanor of the witnesses, we give weight to its findings, particularly with respect to credibility, but we are not bound by them. Forbes, 570 N.W.2d at 759; Iowa R.App. P. 14(f)(7). Molly's best interests are paramount in this decision, and the court's objective is to place Molly in the environment most likely to bring her to healthy physical, mental, and social maturity. Phillips v. Davis-Spurling, 541 N.W.2d 846, 847 (Iowa 1995). Gender of the respective parents is irrelevant. In re Marriage of Tresnak, 297 N.W.2d 109, 112-13 (Iowa 1980). The district court found both Michael and Cindy to be appropriate caretakers, noting both have participated in Molly's upbringing and both have good parenting skills. Michael challenges the award of primary physical care to Cindy, arguing he is best able to minister to Molly's immediate and long-term best interests. Michael argues the district court based its decision on the stereotypical assumption that Cindy would be the better parent because of her gender. Cindy argues the district court specifically refrained from making a gender-based decision and urges us to defer to the district court's finding that Cindy's testimony was more credible than Michael's. Michael argues Cindy did little to maintain a stable environment for Molly while the dissolution petition was pending. The parties had lived in Ankeny, but Cindy moved to an apartment in Windsor Heights, Iowa, after she filed the petition. Michael stayed in Ankeny and rented a duplex after the parties' home was sold. He testified that, if he is given primary physical care, he will continue to take Molly to the same day-care and elementary school she has been attending. Michael also contends he will do more than Cindy will to support Molly's relationship with both parents. Both parties have positive parenting abilities but both have negative attributes as well. Cindy's relationship with a drug user (or at least a former drug user) raises concerns. That person often stayed overnight at Cindy's apartment when Molly was present. But Michael has had his problems as well. There was evidence that he had a drinking problem for which he would not seek treatment, and Cindy was concerned about Michael's temper around Molly and the effect that would have on her. Michael denied he had a drinking problem, and he claimed to have stopped his excessive drinking in 1996. The district court found Cindy's testimony to be more credible than Michael's, stating: In assessing Michael's credibility, the Court observed his demeanor on the witness stand. He was evasive when confronted by negative testimony. On more than one occasion he was untruthful. One example of his untruthfulness was his repeated denial that he had agreed to not contest granting of primary care duty to the mother. After hearing his statement recorded on tape, his new version was also unworthy of belief. .... Cindy arranged for medical, dental and day care providers. She did the household shopping, cooked most of the family meals, she read books to Molly; arranged her birthday parties. She purchased gifts for Molly's friends. She arranged dance classes for Molly. When Molly was sick or frightened she turned to [her] mother for comfort. Although the issue of primary care is close, we agree with the district court that Cindy will more adequately meet Molly's needs. We therefore affirm on that issue.