In Re the Dissolution of the Marriage of Remillard

This appeal involves an order changing custody of the parties’ seven year old son from the father to the mother. The issue is whether there was sufficient change of circumstances to justify the change in custody.

The decree of dissolution of marriage, entered in June 1974, granted custody of the child to the mother. Shortly thereafter the mother remarried. She and her new husband became involved in marital difficulties revolving around her husband’s drinking problems resulting in her leaving the home on numerous occasions. On at least three occasions she was beaten quite badly by her husband…