Court Opinion

ID: 9721534
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 09:01:52.772041+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:27.066165
License: Public Domain

CHEZEM, Judge,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion. I cannot agree with the majority's adoption of Mimkon v. Ford, 66 N.J. 426, 332 A.2d 199, 204 (1975). Under Mimkon, the majority holds that the trial court should focus on the relationship between Carol and Dani Nicole in determining the best interest of Dani Nicole. I disagree with this focus. Basing visitation on just one relationship is not enough of a basis to support the child's well-being.
The trial court cited the conflict between Carol and Lezli, Dani Nicole's mother, as a reason visitation with Carol would not be in the child's best interest. A trial court's focus should be on providing the most supportive environment for the child. The trial court here determined that this would be provided by Lezli, without visitation by Carol. The trial court properly considered Dani Nicole's *673best interest. I would affirm the judgment of the trial court.