Opinion ID: 886644
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶ 10 Because the district court is in a superior position to weigh the evidence, we will not overturn the court in child custody matters unless we determine that there has been a clear abuse of discretion. In re Marriage of Bukacek (1995), 274 Mont. 98, 105, 907 P.2d 931, 935 (citing In re Marriage of Bolt (1993), 259 Mont. 54, 58, 854 P.2d 322, 324). When reviewing the court's discretionary decision, we review its findings of fact to determine whether they are clearly erroneous. In re Marriage of Fishbaugh, 2002 MT 175, ¶ 19, 310 Mont. 519, ¶ 19, 52 P.3d 395, ¶ 19 (citing In re Marriage of McKenna, 2000 MT 58, ¶ 14, 299 Mont. 13, ¶ 14, 996 P.2d 386, ¶ 14). ¶ 11 A district court is required to determine child custody matters in accordance with the best interests of the child, taking into consideration a variety of statutory factors including, but not limited to, the parents' wishes, the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's parents, continuity and stability of care, and whether the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Section 40-4-212(1), MCA; Fishbaugh, ¶ 20. While a court must consider the factors enumerated in § 40-4-212(1), MCA, it need not make specific findings relating to each. Fishbaugh, ¶ 20 (citing McKenna, ¶ 15, 996 P.2d 386).