Opinion ID: 2117648
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Fixing Custody in This Case

Text: It is now incumbent upon this court to fix custody in this case, applying the principles summarized in In re Marriage of Winter, 223 N.W.2d 165, 166-67 (Iowa 1974), which are recognized by both parties and need no repetition here. As previously mentioned, each party has attacked the parental qualifications of the other. Many witnesses were called to testify, including child guidance counselors, clergymen, relatives, neighbors and a clinical psychologist. From our examination of the record, we find that both Robert and Carla, notwithstanding individual shortcomings, are fit to be the custodial parent. Both Robert and Carla have demonstrated love and concern for the children and the ability to provide for their care and needs. The remaining question is thus, In whose custody will the long-range best interests of the children be better served? We conclude that Robert should be awarded the custody of the two minor children, Susan and Mary Lee. Although Carla bore the primary responsibility for caring for the Burham children during their early years, events and circumstances as well as personal characteristics render her the less suitable custodian for her now teen-aged daughters. Carla has incurred health problems, partly as the result of accidental injuries. The evidence also discloses that she has difficulty living within a budget, which may impair her capacity to prudently provide for the material needs of the children. Robert, since the onset of a serious marital conflict, has accepted greater responsibility for the care and discipline of the children, and he appears to increasingly give his daughters helpful attention. While he has always demonstrated fiscal responsibility, Robert has also acquired other necessary household management skills. His work as a chemistry professor permits him the freedom to be at home with the girls when they are not in school. It also appears that he has corrected some past intemperate beer-drinking habits. Consequently, although the issue is close and without a compelling preponderance in Robert's favor, we find that the long-range best interests of the children can be better served by giving Robert custody. A factor considered in reaching our custody decision is the testimony of all three Burham children. Susan, thirteen years old and in the seventh grade when she testified, expressed her love for both parents, but she declared a preference to be with her father. Mary Lee, eleven and one-half years old and in the fifth grade at the time she gave her testimony, also said that she loved both her father and mother; her custodial choice, however, was her mother, although she was more adamant in her desire to remain with her sister, Susan. Melanie Lynn, then age twenty-two and married, favored her father as the custodial parent for her younger sisters. She explained that Robert established the better and more consistent discipline, that he was accustomed to making the important family decisions and that he was the more responsible parent. According to Melanie Lynn, Robert had developed a good rapport with both Susan and Mary Lee. The preferences of the two minor children, while not controlling, In re Marriage of Bowen, 219 N.W.2d 683, 689 (Iowa 1974), are relevant and cannot be ignored, particularly Susan's preference in light of her age and apparent maturity. See Winter, 223 N.W.2d at 167. Susan's preference for her father is quite firm; Mary Lee's desire to be in the same household as Susan predominates over her choice of her mother as the custodial parent. We also adhere to the principle that no court should separate siblings absent good and compelling reasons. E. g., In re Marriage of Wahl, 246 N.W.2d 268, 270 (Iowa 1976); Jones v. Jones, 175 N.W.2d 389, 391 (Iowa 1970). Thus it is our conclusion that the two girls should be kept together and, in this instance, in the custody of their father. It should also be noted that, in a docketed report to trial court, the attorney for the children stated a cautious preference for placing the custody of the children with Robert. See Winter, 223 N.W.2d at 167. A final reason for our decision is that it is more likely the girls will have substantial contacts with both parents if Robert has custody. Carla has made difficult and even prevented the exercise of visitation privileges by Robert during times when she has maintained the physical custody of the children. The converse does not appear to be true. In fixing custody in the past, this court has considered the willingness of each party to allow the children access to the other party. See In re Petition of Ferguson, 244 N.W.2d 817, 819 (Iowa 1976). Visitation rights for Carla remain to be provided. Because we have no way of knowing current circumstances which affect visitation, such as work and school schedules and other activities of the parties and the children, those rights should be prescribed by trial court after further hearing. See, e. g. Forsyth v. Forsyth, 172 N.W.2d 111, 114 (Iowa 1969). In his brief and argument, Robert urges that he be given custody, with liberal visitation to Carla . . . . We assume that Robert will stand by this advocacy of liberal rights of visitation for Carla so that the children may gain the benefits of companionship with both parents.