Opinion ID: 1554036
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: July 2006 Order

Text: ¶ 21. Vicki first argues that the chancellor erred by considering her violation of the July order in his material-change analysis, because that order and the finding of contempt against her for violation of that order subsequently were set aside. Vicki also cites Mixon v. Sharp, 853 So.2d 834, 838 (Miss.Ct.App.2003), for the proposition that changing child custody is not an appropriate punishment for contempt. However, [t]he fact that such order is erroneous or irregular or improvidently granted does not justify a person in failing to abide by its terms. Ellis v. Ellis, 840 So.2d 806, 811 (Miss.Ct.App. 2003) (citing Ladner v. Ladner, 206 So.2d 620, 623 (Miss.1968)). This case also is distinguishable from Mixon, which involved a mother interfering in a father's visitation rights. Mixon, 853 So.2d at 837. Vicki removed Alex in the middle of the night in violation of a court order, and then refused to accept phone calls from either Rusty or the guardian ad litem. Interference with the exercise of custody can constitute a material change in circumstances. See Davis v. Davis, 17 So.3d 114 (Miss.Ct. App.2009); Ellis v. Ellis, 952 So.2d 982, 989-90 (Miss.Ct.App.2006). Additionally, nothing in the record suggests that the award of custody to Rusty was to punish Vicki. It was not error for the chancellor to consider this matter and find it to be a material change in circumstances.