In Re Marriage of Thompson v. Thompson
Millikin standard applies to terminate joint custody and award custody solely to one parent.
Millikin standard applies to terminate joint custody and award custody solely to one parent.
In a joint custody arrangement, neither party’s rights are superior to the other. If joint custody is terminated, there is an initial award of sole custody, Millikin standard does not apply.
Millikin standard does not apply to motions to change joint custody. Physical placement awards are “basically unenforceable surplusage.”
Higher standard for child does not apply where child’s placement was informally changed.
“Necessary” standard applies to decision to terminate joint custody. On remand, court should treat case as filed under new law.
Stipulation is sufficient for change in custody – no hearing or findings of fact are necessary.
FCC may intervene in post-judgment custody modification stipulation.
Since modification was within two years of initial order, trial court erred by focusing on best interests of child instead of necessary-to-modify standard.
Modification after 2 years requires proof of substantial change of circumstances. New joint custody law is not a change in circumstances.
(1) No abuse of discretion for refusing to transfer placement to father due to “parental alienation syndrome” (2) No abuse of discretion for revising placement with rigid schedule – any harm to children due to less time with father is outweighed by stability.