Wyoming Supreme Court
Rebecca A. Reavis, Appellant (plaintiff) v. Calvin D. Reavis, Appellee (defendant)
March 20, 1998955 P.2d 428
Summary
The court reversed the district court’s divided custody order because the record did not support repeatedly transferring the children between homes and the evidence showed that continuing the mother’s primary custodial role served their best interests. The court vacated the denial of temporary alimony because the custody determination could affect the mother’s financial need and remanded for reconsideration. The court also emphasized that custody decisions must account for stability, the children’s individual needs, and the parents’ demonstrated ability to cooperate.
Holding
- Divided custody. The district court abused its discretion by ordering the children’s custody to alternate six times a year. The record did not support the arrangement, and the evidence established that the children’s best interests were served by maintaining the mother’s primary custody with liberal visitation for the father.
- Temporary spousal support. The district court’s denial of the mother’s request for temporary spousal support was vacated and remanded for reconsideration because the custody ruling affected the parties’ circumstances and could change the assessment of the mother’s need for maintenance.
Docket 97-209
Cited authorities
- 22 Syracuse L. Rev. 635
Cited by
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- Holly Lane Bruegman, (plaintiff) v. Colton Paul Bruegman, (defendant).
- Heather Martin, (respondent) v. Christopher Hart, (petitioner).
- Melissa Grow Booth, (defendant) v. Berkeley Craig Booth, (plaintiff).
- Michelle L. Meehan-Greer, (plaintiff) v. Robert S. Greer, (defendant).
- In the Matter of the Paternity of Jwh, Minor Child, Lrd, (Respondent) v. Dah, (Petitioner).
- In the Interest of Kra, Minor Child: Caa, N/K/A Caf, (Respondent) v. Zwa, (Respondent).