In re Paternity of Stephanie R.N.
Modification within 2 yrs. requires proof on necessity, that custodial conditions are harmful and physical or emotional harm is severe enough to warrant modification.
Modification within 2 yrs. requires proof on necessity, that custodial conditions are harmful and physical or emotional harm is severe enough to warrant modification.
Court cannot substantially modify placement within two years unless it finds harmful conditions.
Trial court could modify placement on petition for child abuse injunction. Separate motion under 767.325 not necessary.
Trial court properly applied §767.325 where mother brought removal action and father countered with motion to change placement.
Trial court does not have authority to change placement within two years of the initial placement order, absent finding of harm, if the modification would substantially alter the time a parent spends with the child.
Portion of divorce judgment effecting a prospective change in placement is invalid. Trial court lacks statutory authority to order a change of placement that is prospective and contingent on the occurrence of some anticipated event.
Parents do not have a fundamental right to equal placement after divorce – state’s regulation of post-divorce custody disputes is constitutional.
Award of primary placement to father reversed as trial court’s opinion of the stability of non-marital relationships based on other paternity cases is not sufficient to support a factual finding that the mother’s specific living situation in this case is unstable.
Trial court erroneously exercised it discretion where it does not refer to statutory factors, but was largely based on its belief that the temporary schedule was working and the recommendation of the GAL.
Father did not waive his right to object to wife’s parenting plan when he failed to submit his own plan prior to the scheduling conference.