In Re R.L.

The prerogative of the Chancellor as parens patriae to govern the custody of an infant is invoked by the writ of habeascorpus, the return and the scope of the proofs in the present proceeding. State, Baird v. Baird, 19 N.J. Eq. 481, 486. To render an advisory opinion to the Chancellor in such a controversy, the natural and legal rights of the parent must, of course, be contemplated, but the subject of paramount consideration undoubtedly is the welfare of the child. Richards v. Collins, 45 N.J. Eq. 283; 17 Atl. Rep. 831; In re A.B.M.,132 N.J. Eq. 434; 28 Atl. Rep. 2d 518.

Here, the mother, a…