Stanley D. v. Deborah D.

This appeal presents the question whether, in a divorce proceeding, the superior court has the power and authority to award joint legal custody of a minor child to her natural mother and her stepfather, and physical custody to the stepfather. We hold that it does.

On August 17, 1974, the parties were married in Milton Mills, New Hampshire. At that time, Mrs. D., the defendant, had a child, Sarah, who had been born approximately one year previously. Sarah’s natural father is known. Mr. D., the plaintiff, is Sarah’s stepfather; he has taken no steps to adopt her. The parties have one child of…