Nunn v. Arneson

Lauren Arneson appeals an order granting custody of her son to his paternal aunt, Julia Nunn. The nonparental child custody petition should have been dismissed when Julia Nunn failed to present substantial evidence to prove her allegation that Arneson is an unfit parent because of alcohol abuse and prostitution. Under chapter 26.10 RCW, Washington’s nonparental child custody statute, a nonparent lacks standing to seek custody of a child, as against a fit parent who has physical custody of the child. The allegation of parental unfitness required by RCW 26.10.030 thus presents a threshold issue…