Opinion ID: 2063236
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Propriety of trial court's award of custody.

Text: Our first and governing consideration in this dispute must be Loretta's best interests. Rule of Appellate Procedure 14(f)(15). In our de novo review we are guided by several principles, summarized in In re Marriage of Bowen, 219 N.W.2d 683, 687-8 (Iowa 1974): The status of children should be quickly fixed and, thereafter, little disturbed.. . . No hard and fast rule governs which parent should have custody. It is not a matter of reward or punishment. The issue is ultimately decided by determining under the whole record which parent can minister more effectively to the long-range best interests of the children. We apply these principles in light of the factors set forth in In re Marriage of Winter, 223 N.W.2d 165, 166-7 (Iowa 1974). Upon examination of the entire record we conclude that trial court was justified in awarding custody of Loretta to Debra. Trial court found, and we agree, that both parents love the child; both have demonstrated the ability to care for her physical needs. But we are convinced Loretta's long-range best interests will be better served by the award of her custody to Debra rather than DeWayne. Several witnesses testified they had observed that Debra was quite capable of caring for Loretta and attending to her needs. They also related that she was attentive and loving towards her child and that she responded to her needs, played with her and disciplined her when necessary. These witnesses included Luann Wenthold, the public health nurse, Eloise Lietzow, Director of Deaf Services of Iowa for the State Department of Health, and three family friends. Debra's mother gave similar supporting testimony and declared her desire to assist Debra and Loretta in establishing a permanent home in the community where Debra's mother lives. She expressed an intent to be supportive of them. In response to trial court inquiry, she promised to give Debra financial assistance as needed. DeWayne forcefully argues that his claim to custody is enhanced because he has cared for the child and provided for her needs over the greater period of time; he reminds us that the custody of children should be quickly fixed and not disturbed. He claims custodial rights founded upon both the April 20 agreement and his past care and insists that Loretta's custody can be shifted for only the most cogent reasons. He cites, among other cases dealing with similar problems, In re Marriage of Woodward, 228 N.W.2d 74, 76 (Iowa 1975), Schoonover v. Schoonover, 228 N.W.2d 31, 34 (Iowa 1975), In re Marriage of Bowen, 219 N.W.2d 683, 687-8 (Iowa 1974), and Jensen v. Sorenson, 211 Iowa 354, 364, 233 N.W. 717, 722 (1930). Petitioner's claims of ability to care and provide for his child, and that she was well-cared for, were confirmed by witnesses including his mother and Gene Lynch, a social worker employed by the Fayette County Department of Social Services. Mr. Lynch also made reports to trial court of home investigations he conducted. In concluding one report he stated that DeWayne could provide an adequate home for his daughter. He also reported that DeWayne has a great deal of love and concern for Loretta, and that they had a very good relationship. Nothing in the record indicates De-Wayne ever neglected or mistreated Loretta. Nonetheless, on the basis of the facts presented by the record in this case, we do not believe the evidence establishes that DeWayne can more effectively minister to Loretta's long-range needs. It is true that prior to trial Loretta lived with DeWayne for the greater period of time. However, when Debra was not living with him, DeWayne was seldom without the aid of his mother. There was also a period of time when DeWayne and Loretta lived in Florida with his friend, Tom Treece. During this time Loretta was taken to a day care center or cared for by Treece's mother. Trial court's findings place emphasis on De-Wayne's employment difficulties and questionable ability to manage money and noted that neither party has independent financial means. Consequently, it is probable that either parent, if given custody, will have need of public assistance or financial aid from his or her family. Petitioner claims the only evidence adverse to him was that, in his words, he may be bisexual. He insists that this does not justify denying him custody. In addition to the previously noted admitted instance of homosexual prostitution, which occurred during a period when the parties and their child were living together in Des Moines, one other incident requires recounting. On December 23, 1977, about three weeks prior to the trial of this case, DeWayne was arrested in Oelwein for exposing himself while standing before a window of his apartment. At the time he was wearing a wig and women's clothing. Charges were later dismissed on the condition that he seek psychiatric treatment. These incidents collectively were considered by trial court as one of several factors that influenced the result it decreed. The two specific incidents can be classified as sexual misconduct. Such misconduct which affects the child may be given consideration in determining child custody, Hagen v. Hagen, 226 N.W.2d 13, 16 (Iowa 1975), In re Marriage of Dawson, 214 N.W.2d 131, 132 (Iowa 1974), although immoral acts alone do not necessarily make a person unfit for custody of his or her children. McNamara v. McNamara, 181 N.W.2d 206, 210 (Iowa 1970). Contrary to his claim, trial court did not decide this case solely on the issue of DeWayne's homosexuality. Trial court properly gave consideration to evidence of proven immoral acts as one of several factors that weighed in its decision. We perceive greater risks to Loretta's future if she were placed with DeWayne. His lack of vocational training and constant changes in jobs, his problem with managing money, his frequent changes in residence and his sexual proclivities cast doubt on the wisdom of preferring him as the custodial parent; these factors, in fact, suggest his influence could be detrimental to the child's welfare.