S.R. ex rel. M.J.R. v. M.R.

On March 7, 1983, the parties were divorced in Peoria County, Illinois. -The sole custody of the minor child, Sarah, was placed in appellant-mother’s control.

Appellee-father, on January 2, 1985, in Peoria County filed a petition to modify the decree to provide custody of the minor child be transferred to him. Hearings regarding this modification were held on February 7 and 19, and May 7, 1985. At the two initial proceedings appellant appeared with counsel and actively participated in the custody hearings. The appellant, however, failed to personally appear at the final proceeding; only her…