Opinion ID: 1829548
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Best Interest of Samantha

Text: Rather than follow a more usual blueprint for visitation, the court imposed a somewhat lesser schedule. The visitation schedule is as follows:

Notably, Charles was not allowed any major holidays to spend with Samantha. The summer vacation award was also fairly conservative. Finally, Charles was not provided the Wednesday night visitation often granted. The district court's opinion appears to be well thought out and mindful of the parties' anguish. Because our review on this issue is de novo, we give considerable weight to the court's factual findings, but are not bound by them. Samantha's age, her relationship with Rick, the length of this relationship, and the benefit of establishing paternity are all subsumed in our determination. The record contains the expert findings of a psychologist. His testimony, as well as his reports, indicate an intricate knowledge of the parties and their situation. He recommended that a relationship with Charles was in Samantha's best interest. There was also favorable evidence detailing Charles's lifestyle and his ability to care for Samantha, as well as his voluntary payment of child support. Unfavorable evidence in the record regarding the behavior of Charles's parents is a relevant factor in determining the amount of visitation awarded to Charles. As bearing on visitation, we also give consideration to the consequent disruption to the Skiles home. In sum, we find that the facts support the visitation awarded by the court. Such an arrangement is a necessary way to create normalcy and consistency in the life of a young child whose biological parents have never been married to each other, but who are both capable and willing to be involved in their child's life. The district court did not find this situation was identical to that of a child of divorcing parents, nor do we. Our determination is solely founded on what is in the best interest of Samantha.