Opinion ID: 2135333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: did the trial court abuse its discretion in awarding joint custody of the child with the primary physical custody to be with merle?

Text: The primary consideration in deciding child custody is determining the best interests of the child. Kappenmann v. Kappenmann, 479 N.W.2d 520 (S.D.1991). The trial court is vested with broad discretion in deciding questions of child custody. Its decision will only be reversed if there was a clear showing of an abuse of discretion. Anderson v. Anderson, 472 N.W.2d 519 (S.D.1991). Both the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be accorded to their testimony is for the trial court to determine. Mellema v. Mellema, 407 N.W.2d 827, 831 (S.D.1987). The evidence clearly shows that the best interests of the child will be served by Merle as the primary physical custodian. We find no abuse of discretion and therefore the custody determination is affirmed.