Court Opinion

ID: 9705119
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 00:57:08.966064+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:08.102462
License: Public Domain

Bronson, J.
(dissenting). I dissent from the majority’s holding that the divorce modification order *205changing custody of the children from their mother to their father was not against the great weight of the evidence.
Once a custody order has been entered, it may not be modified "unless there is presented clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child”. MCLA 722.27; MSA 25.312(7). "Best interests of the child” is defined in MCLA 722.23; MSA 25.312(3) as a sum of 10 factors. We must affirm on appeal unless the trial judge made findings of fact against the great weight of evidence, committed a palpable abuse of discretion, or made a clear legal error on a major issue. MCLA 722.28; MSA 25.312(8).
The reason for requiring "clear and convincing” evidence to modify a custody order is evident. The circumstances of the parties often change after a custody order is entered. However, the children involved, as well as the courts, would suffer from a modification of custody every time there is some change of circumstances. Otherwise every remarriage by one of the parties or change in financial condition might precipitate shifting the child from one home to another. The Legislature recognized the desirability of finality in child custody matters by requiring "clear and convincing” evidence to modify a custody order. In the interest of finality, we should read that standard as a very high one indeed.
The majority recounts the evidence adduced by the trial court on the best interests of the children. It is apparent that there was little evidence to support a change of custody. The children apparently desired to live with their father and attend their own school. The desire of the children is one factor to be considered by the judge in determining their "best interests”. MCLA 722.23(i); MSA *20625.312(3)(i). Hcwever, the desirability of maintaining continuity in an existing stable environment is also a factor. MCLA 722.23(d); MSA 25.312(3)(d). There was no substantial evidence that the mother failed to provide a stable environment or that the children were having difficulties at school.
In child custody cases, an appellate court reviews the evidence de novo, Outcalt v Outcalt, 40 Mich App 392; 198 NW2d 779 (1972). The burden is on the moving party to present clear and convincing evidence justifying a change of custody; absent such a showing, there is an evidentiary stand-off and a change of custody will be against the great weight of the evidence. Outcalt, supra, at .394-396.
On reviewing the evidence, I find no clear and convincing evidence that the best interests of the children mandate a change in custody. I wquld hold that the trial judge’s decision to change custody was against the great weight of the evidence and should therefore be reversed.