Court Opinion

ID: 9740737
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 20:41:08.375196+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:20.065602
License: Public Domain

JUSTICE McCULLOUGH, specially concurring: First, I point out the respondent’s brief cites only one case in support of the trial court’s order, Kartholl. Other than referring to petitioner’s brief, the respondent’s argument cites no authority other than Kartholl and does not refer to any pages of the record that are relied upon. Likewise, there is no reference or supplement to petitioner’s statement of facts and citations to the record. Only after questioning by this court concerning the inadequacy of the brief and both parties’ reference to cases not cited, leave was granted to file supplemental authority. To summarize the testimony of the parties, Kevin’s mother testified only to the benefits of visiting with Brittany. Kevin’s sister-in-law, Wendy Mundhenke, testified to Brittany’s good relationship with Kevin’s family members and that Brittany would miss the spontaneous activities of family get-togethers. Kevin’s mother-in-law also testified as to the relationship of the family members with Brittany. The testimony in behalf of Kevin spelled out the happy times of the family with Brittany. It is apparent that had Judith not planned to move to La Harpe, everyone would have continued in the same mold, joint custody, primary physical custody with Judith and visitation with Kevin. The testimony on behalf of Kevin also acknowledges that visitation was as much with other members of the family as with him. Overall, the evidence presented by Kevin appears to be what is best for the individual witness, not what is best for Brittany. There was no evidence by Kevin that the move to La Harpe was harmful to Brittany. Kevin and Lisa (his present wife) had no concerns about Brittany’s living arrangements in La Harpe. Judith’s evidence dealt more with Brittany. She was active in Brittany’s interests, games, reading, vacations, and a summer reading program. She was involved with Brittany’s school activities and attended parent-teacher conferences. Brittany has become actively involved in activities in La Harpe. Judith was the primary caretaker as far as medical and dental decisions. Whether the provisions of section 610 or section 602 of the Act are followed, it is clear the best interests of Brittany are served by placing custody with Judith. Per section 610, the only change in circumstances of the child, or either or both parties having custody, is the move of Judith from Springfield to La Harpe. I disagree with my colleague as to the wisdom of appointing a GAL for the child. The GAL represents the child and is able to interview the child, know her feelings, cross-examine all witnesses to determine their sincerity and make a recommendation to the trial court custody. In this case, considering the evidence presented, Judith’s primary custody of Brittany from 1987 until the trial court’s order, of June 26, 1993, Brittany’s expressed desire, and the recommendation of the GAL, clearly shows the trial court’s decision was against the manifest weight of the evidence and an abuse of discretion.