In this custody and child support trial, the father sought sole custody of the ten-year-old child, alleging the mother's unstable lifestyle involving numerous moves and relationships had harmed the child.
The mother, who had been the primary caregiver since birth, opposed the change and argued the father had been an inconsistent and uninvolved parent.
The court appointed the Office of the Children's Lawyer to conduct a clinical investigation.
The investigator's final report recommended a change of custody due to the mother's continued transience, exposure of the child to adult conflict with her partner, and concerns about the child's school attendance and stability.
The court granted sole custody to the father, finding it was in the child's best interests to provide stability and prevent further disruption.
The court also addressed retroactive child support, finding the father had underpaid support and imputed income to the mother for ongoing support obligations.