In Re the Custody of Cox

MORRIS, Judge.

G.S. 50-13.2(a) provides as follows:

“An order for custody of a minor child entered pursuant to this section shall award the custody of such child to such person, agency, organization or institution as will, in the opinion of the judge, best promote the interest and welfare of the child.”

This provision became effective in 1967 and codified the rule enunciated many times by the North Carolina Supreme Court that in custody cases the welfare of the child is the “polar star” by which the court’s decision must be guided. In Re Custody of Pitts, 2 N.C. App. 211, 162 S.E. 2d 524 (1968).

A…