Court Opinion

ID: 9741844
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 21:02:58.836397+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:26.683385
License: Public Domain

WOZNIAK, Judge
(dissenting).
I respectfully dissent.
The record clearly sustains a finding that neither parent was the primary caretaker. Each had his or her own concepts of lifestyle which caused problems with the marriage relationship. Both had employment and economic stress and indicia of alcohol abuse, as well as other problems. Accordingly, the child was seen and cared for primarily by sitters and grandparents.
The trial court found:
The time period in question was a very brief one. The circumstances were abnormal; the seeds of dissolution had already been planted, and the life of the family was characterized by stress and discord. A considerable amount of Steven’s care was provided for him by others. Some things which might have been desirable do not appear to have been provided at all.
Under these circumstances I could not find that either parent was the primary caretaker. Accordingly, I decided the issue of custody by determining what I found to be in Steven’s best interests.
This finding should not be overturned on appeal unless clearly erroneous or manifestly and palpably contrary to the evidence as a whole. Such was not the case here.
It is inappropriate for this court to substitute its judgment for the final assessment by the trial court.