in re the Marriage of Smith

Petitioner, the divorced mother of two minor children, seeks reversal of a circuit court order changing custody of the children from her to father. On de novo review, we conclude that respondent has failed to demonstrate that circumstances have changed substantially since the entry of the original custody order and that a change in custody would serve the best interests of the children. Accordingly, we reverse.

Mother and father separated in April, 1980. A decree of divorce was entered in August, 1980, giving mother custody of the couple’s two children, Jeffrey, then age six, and Justin, age…