Opinion ID: 2279745
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: May 12, 1995 Hearing Permanent Custody Undecided

Text: The Family Court held a hearing on the issue of permanent custody and visitation on May 12, 1995. The Family Court rendered its opinion on May 18, 1995. In reaching this decision, the Court made findings of fact, conclusions of law, and specifically applied all of the factors set forth in Section 722. The Family Court found that the children had strong relationships with both parents. It also concluded that the children were able to adapt to changes in circumstances. The evidence indicated that both the Mother and the Father contributed to the children's stability and happiness. The evidence reflected that both parents provided for the children. The Family Court noted, however, that while the parties appear capable of providing proper care to the children, it is obliged to discuss the serious allegations of emotional instability raised by each parent with regard to the other. The court explained: The evidence clearly indicates that both Mother and Father have sporadically engaged in erratic behavior which, while undoubtedly a result of their deteriorated relationship, nonetheless casts doubt as to their mental fitness. Moreover, there have been a number of documented incidences of domestic violence between the parties. It is obvious to this Court that few cases have called more for professional counseling than the case at bar. And, in a case such as this, comments from a counselor who has had extensive contact with the parties would be extremely enlightening to this Court in formulating its permanent custody Order. However, the testimony offered at the hearing was limited to that of the parties, and is consequently insufficient upon which to issue a permanent custody Order. The Court does recognize the need for an interim custody Order while an appropriate counseling schedule is implemented by the parties. And it also recognizes that there is no compelling reason to disrupt the boys' current living arrangement, which has proven successful thus far. (Footnote omitted.) Accordingly, the Family Court awarded the Mother and the Father temporary joint legal custody, with the Mother being granted temporary primary residential custody. The Family Court further ordered the Mother and the Father to schedule an appointment, within two weeks, with one of four psychologists: Dr. Jay Jemail, Dr. Paula Malone, Dr. Marcia Orlov, or Dr. Diana Terrell. [2] The Family Court stated that the purpose of the appointment is for each party to undergo a psychological evaluation, and for both parties to start joint counseling immediately. The Family Court then ordered a full hearing for permanent custody to be scheduled approximately six months from the date of its May 18, 1995 decision. The Family Court stated that at that hearing, it would hear testimony from the psychologist selected by the parents. It also informed the parties that it would hear evidence of any subsequent events that transpired. Following entry of the Family Court's May 18, 1995 orders, the Father's attorney wrote to the Mother's attorney and requested that the Mother select one of the psychologists. The Mother selected Dr. Jay Jemail. Dr. Jemail did an evaluation of the parties which included administering the following tests: Access to Adult Strength-Parent Self Report by Bricklin, Child Data-Parent Report by Bricklin, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, and Rorschach Inkblot Test. Counseling sessions with Dr. Jemail began June 28, 1995 and lasted through January 29, 1996. Dr. Jemail had eight joint counseling sessions with the parties, four sessions with the Mother, and ten sessions with the Father. Dr. Jemail also met with the Father and the two children on one occasion, and with the Mother and the children on another occasion. There were two additional sessions by telephone with the Father on January 26, 1996 and January 29, 1996. Dr. Jemail submitted a report to the Family Court dated January 29, 1996. Dr. Jemail concluded that a joint custodial arrangement would not work. According to Dr. Jemail, only a sole custodial arrangement would be appropriate. Dr. Jemail opined that sole custody should be with the Father, because the Father is more stable and the Mother's reaction to the children is too erratic.