Opinion ID: 1878473
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Home Environment

Text: ¶ 35. Adam argues that the Chancellor incorrectly focused on Adam's infirm father in making her determination regarding home environment and ignored many of the surrounding facts and circumstances that could have resulted in a different conclusion. Adam offers that a comparison of both homes reveals that Adam's was favorable over Dawn's at the time of the hearing. Adam was living in a house located on seven acres in Kentucky while Dawn was in a one bedroom apartment. Adam's mother, aunt, grandmother and grandfather were all within twenty minutes of him while Dawn's parents were three hours from her. ¶ 36. Adam's father is an HIV positive hemophiliac and suffers from cancer. Adam's father also smokes three to four packs of cigarettes a day. The Chancellor considered these factors and stated the following: The Court would like to make it perfectly clear that it is not penalizing Adam because he moved to take care of his critically ill father, it is commendable. Nor is the Court reacting to an irrational fear or prejudice of persons who are HIV positive. The Court does however, question if the home of a critically ill patient, regardless of the illness, is the best environment in which to raise a toddler. It also is not assuring to hear that the paternal grandfather smokes three to four packs of cigarettes a day, even if it is true he does not smoke when Darby is home. The atmosphere of the home would still have to be tainted with smoke. The Court finds the stability of the home environment should favor Dawn. ¶ 37. This Court does not see that the Chancellor abused her discretion in considering home environment in order to determine who received custody of Darby. It also cannot be said that the Chancellor's decision regarding home environment is manifestly wrong, clearly erroneous, or the result of the application of an erroneous legal standard.