Court Opinion

ID: 9753760
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-28 19:26:20.743403+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:27:41.415301
License: Public Domain

Allen, C.J.,
concurring in part and dissenting in part. I agree that Lumbra v. Lumbra, 136 Vt. 529, 394 A.2d 1139 (1978), was not intended to discourage joint custody in appropriate cases where custody is not in dispute. I dissent from that part of the order which remands this matter for a new trial on custody and child support.
There was ample evidence in the record from which findings with respect to custody could and should have been made. The issue was thoroughly explored and competently presented. The presiding judge found that the custody arrangement was fair and reasonable, and that “all of the factors outlined in Lumbra militate in favor of joint custody . . . .”
The parties should not be required to incur the time, expense and delay of a new hearing in this matter. I would affirm the decree of divorce on the merits; I would strike the remainder of the decree and remand the case to the trial court with instructions to prepare a new decree incorporating the terms and conditions of the stipulation of the parties. See Strope v. Strope, 131 Vt. 210, 219, 303 A.2d 805, 811 (1973).
I am authorized to state that Justice Underwood joins in this opinion.