Court Opinion

ID: 9672424
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:54:51.171459+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:16.068884
License: Public Domain

SCHLEGEL, Judge
(dissenting).
I respectfully dissent.
It appears that the majority has elevated guile to a new level. According to the majority, frustration as to the plans of the parent entitled to custody justifies trickery and a violation of the provisions of the custody decree. At the time Edward was claiming he couldn’t bring the children to Kathryn, because of car trouble, but would do so the next day, he had seen his attorney to begin proceedings to get custody. He not only was guilty of untruth, but made fraudulent promises to Kathryn in order to keep her off guard, while he completed his plans to gain custody of the children.
These, and other actions by Edward, in my opinion, did not comport with conduct in the best interests of the children. Both parties are good parents. Kathryn sought to establish a good home for the children when they were to be with her, had accomplished that goal, and was prepared to make a proper home for them, while in her custody. Apparently, Edward considered Kathryn's successful establishment of a proper home, as well as proper employment, a threat to his future custody of the children. I believe we send the wrong message by considering his conduct merely noncommendable, excusing it on the basis of unproven, presumed frustration, and rewarding his guile with success in his effort to deprive the mother of these children with the custody set out in the decree.
I would hold that there was a change in circumstances justifying modification of the custody decree, and would place the physical custody of the children with Kathryn.