Relationship of Henry v. Keppel

Father appeals from a judgment modifying a California child custody decree. We review de novo, ORS 19.125(3), and affirm.

Mother and father, who never married, began living together in California in the spring of 1983. Their daughter was bom in July 1984. After the parties separated in July 1985, mother moved with the child to Oregon, where they have resided ever since. In December 1985, father began a proceeding in California to establish paternity and joint custody. Mother sought sole custody. In October 1987, the California court ordered joint legal custody, with physical custody awarded to…