Court Opinion

ID: 5171284
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-02 04:55:48.515164+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:26:06.161256
License: Public Domain

BUDGE, J.,
Concurring Specially. — I agree with the conclusions reached in the majority opinion, that the trial court did not err in entering its judgment quashing the writ of habeas corpus, and thereby declining to interfere with the custody of the minor child, Mary Bush.
In determining the custody of a child, its welfare is of paramount importance, yet the right of a guardian to the custody of his ward is entitled to consideration.
C. L., see.’ 5775, provides that:
"5775. Custody of minor by guardian. If the minor has no father or mother living, competent to have the custody and care of his education, the guardian appointed shall have the same. ’ ’
And C. L., sec. 5776, provides that:
“5776. Every guardian appointed shall have the custody and care of the education of the minor, and the care and management of his estate, until such minor arrives at the age of majority or marries, or until the guardian is legally discharged.”
*260This right of the guardian to the custody of the ward is like the right of the natural parent to the custody of the child. A guardian, lawfully appointed, stands in loco parentis with respect to his ward, and is entitled to the custody of the ward until such ward arrives at the age of majority or marries, or until the guardian is legally discharged, unless the acts or conduct of the guardian have been such as to constitute abandonment, surrender, transfer or forfeiture of this right, either temporarily or permanently.
The record in this case discloses, among other facts, that in October, 1914, prior to her parents’ death, Mary was taken by Mr. Walker to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, to íeside there until a suitable, permanent home could be found for her. She remained there until May, 1915, when she was taken by Mrs. Walker and Mr. Fowler to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, whereupon it was agreed between Mr. Walker and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards that she was to reside with the latter family, as a member of their household, so long as the^y wished to keep her and would provide a suitable and proper home for her. The evidence shows that it was never intended that Marjy should be taken into the Walker home, but that Mary’s mother placed the child in Mr. Walker’s care for the purpose of finding a home for her.
It is conceded that Mary’s entire care and well-being was left to the Edwards after she was taken to their home; that Mrs. Edwards has been a good mother to her; that she has received proper care, education and moral training, and that a feeling of parental love and affection has grown up between them and Mary.
To my mind the state of facts disclosed in the record justifies the conclusion that Mr. Walker has surrendered and transferred his right, as guardian, to the custody of Mary, to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, so long as the latter maintain the same parental love and affection towards Mary and continue to furnish her with a good home, educational advantages and moral training, according to the agreement under which they assumed her care. The right of guardianship is not vacated by this proceeding, however, for conditions may hereafter *261arise which would warrant the guardian in again asserting his right to the custody of the child.
In any event, I think it can be properly said that this is a ease where the right of the guardian to the custody of the minor is not clear, and the best interest of the child should govern the court, the welfare of the child being the main object to be attained. (Pool v. Gott, 14 Monthly Law Reporter, 269; Hoxsie v. Potter, 16 R. I. 374, 17 Atl. 129; Hurd on Habeas Corpus, p. 539.) To interfere with the relationship which now exists between Mary and the Edwards would be seriously detrimental to her welfare and .happiness, and for that reason I think the agreement between Mr. Walker and the Edwards at the time Mary was placed in the custody of the latter should be upheld,. and, therefore, that the court did not err in quashing the writ.