Court Opinion

ID: 9853455
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 05:49:13.012468+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:22:49.233114
License: Public Domain

VANDE WALLE, Chief Justice,
concurring in result.
I concur in the result. It appears to me that the Legislature, or at least as the majority construes the legislative amendments following the decision in Schestler v. Schestler, 486 N.W.2d 509 (N.D.1992), requires that the perpetrator of domestic violence not be awarded custody of a child unless the other parent is unfit. A court awarding custody to the perpetrator of domestic violence surely cannot find the other parent fit for purposes of the statute. Rather, it will be necessary to detail the failings of the abused rather than the virtues, if they exist, of the abuser. Whether or not I agree with the effect of the legislation, I understand its rationale.
I agree with the majority that the fact a child does not witness violence does not weigh in favor of the abuser. Neither does the fact the child is not abused weigh in favor of the abuser, although we are relieved there is no physical abuse of the child. Notwithstanding section 14-09-06.2(l)(j), NDCC, abuse of the child would be grounds for terminating parental rights of the abuser, section 27-20-44, NDCC, or at least placing custody of the child with the non-abusing parent. See section 14-09-06.2, NDCC, [other factors for determining the child’s best interests].
Because of the lasting effects of domestic violence on a child, whether or not the child is abused or views the violence, as discussed in the majority opinion, I note the provisions of section 14-09-06.2(l)(k):
“The interaction and interrelationship, or the potential for interaction and interrelationship, of the child with any person who resides in, is present, or frequents the household of a parent and who may significantly affect the child’s best interests. The court shall consider that person’s history of inflicting, or tendency to inflict, physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, on other persons.”
A custodial parent who has a continuing relationship with a perpetrator of domestic violence should expect to have custody of that child transferred to the non-custodial parent unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the best interests of the child require the continued participation as a custodial parent.