Court Opinion

ID: 9669324
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 02:49:31.265545+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:55.384302
License: Public Domain

James R. Cooper, Judge, dissenting. This is a relatively clear-cut case. Although the chancellor specifically noted that the father was a capable parent with stable employment, she awarded custody to the mother. In this context it should be noted that the mother had been on public assistance and had never worked until she temporarily lost custody of the children at the temporary hearing. After being prodded to obtain employment by the chancellor, she found her current part-time position with a janitorial service from which she earns approximately $100.00 a week. The father was clearly better able to provide economic security for the children with all that entails regarding their prospects in life. Both parties were found to be capable parents and caregivers. Nevertheless, the chancellor awarded custody to the mother on the strength of a finding that she had been the primary caregiver. By way of explanation, the chancellor stated that these were “two very small children who need the bonding with parents, not grandparents.” I submit that this phrase rings hollow when it is considered that the real choice is between the children being raised by their father and grandmother, or by their mother and a day-care service. In either case, there will be bonding with a parent, and the presence of a concerned and involved grandparent should be seen as a factor favoring an award of custody to the father. It may be argued that the mother should not be penalized for her limited economic potential because this was one of the sacrifices she made in order to care for her children. There is merit to this argument. Nevertheless, there is likewise merit to the argument that the father should not be penalized for not being the primary caregiver, because that is one of the sacrifices he made by devoting himself to securing the economic well-being of the family. But both arguments are beside the point, because the paramount concern in this case is the best interest of the children. To my mind, the overwhelming weight of the evidence points to the father as the custodian best able to provide for the children’s best interests both in the short run and in the long run. In light of this disparity, and the chancellor’s comments concerning the age of the children and their need to “bond” with a “parent” (as if the father were something other than a parent), I can only conclude that the chancellor reached this result by applying the tender years doctrine sub silentio. I dissent. Robbins and Mayfield, JJ., join in this dissent.