Howlett v. Stellingwerf

The Supreme Court reversed the circuit court’s order granting full primary physical custody of Father’s minor child to the child’s maternal grandmother (Grandmother), holding that the circuit court erroneously analyzed the custody dispute using the factors set forth in Fuerstenberg v. Fuerstenberg, 591 N.W.2d 798 (S.D. 1999), which apply only in cases between parents.The circuit court applied factors taken from Fuerstenberg to the evidence and awarded Grandmother full physical custody of the child, while granting Father liberal visitation rights. The Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case, holding (1) Grandmother possessed standing as a nonparent seeking custody due to extraordinary circumstances; (2) the circuit court erroneously applied the Fuerstenberg factors; and (3) a clearer examination of the circumstances warranting a grant of custody to grandmother under S.D. Codified Laws 25-5-29 and 25-5-30 was required. View "Howlett v. Stellingwerf" on Justia Law