Opinion ID: 1865151
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Visitation Provisions

Text: Larry and Donna stipulated that the trial court could consider the home study evaluation on file with the court. The home study report recommended that custody of each child be vested in the parent with whom each child resided at the time of the study. Pursuant to that recommendation, custody of Larry Don (age 17) was granted to Larry, and custody of Amber Dawn (age 12) was granted to Donna. The visitation recommendations set forth in the study were likewise adopted by the court and incorporated into the decree. The home study recommended structured visits between the siblings, to be arranged by the parents at least twice a month. No structured visits were recommended for Larry Don with his mother Donna. For Amber Dawn, the home study recommended structured visits with her father Larry, initially at least weekly for several hours, and later to include overnights or full weekends. Because the parents desired flexibility in the arrangement, no certain schedule was recommended in the home study. Thus, the decree did not set out a structured visitation schedule. Larry urges that the court abused its discretion when it failed to set out structured visitation with Amber Dawn in the decree of divorce. We have stated that a clear abuse of discretion standard governs our review of lower court orders regarding visitation. Johnson v. Johnson, 471 N.W.2d 156, 159 (S.D.1991) (citing Fox v. Fox, 467 N.W.2d 762, 766 (S.D.1991); Shoop v. Shoop, 460 N.W.2d 721, 725-26 (S.D.1990)). As stated, the court incorporated the home study recommendation by reference, and that home study stated that Amber Dawn is to visit with her father at his residence or in a public place, at least weekly for several hours. As soon as Amber feels more comfortable with her dad, occasional overnights or full weekends can be arranged. It was because both parents wanted a flexible arrangement that no certain schedule was recommended; thus, the parents must cooperate in arranging this visitation between Amber and her father Larry. The decision of the lower court to not set out a structured visitation schedule was within the bounds of the trial court's discretion. Johnson, 471 N.W.2d at 164. We affirm the trial court on this issue. [1]