Marriage of Murray v. Murray

OPINION

POPOVICH, Chief Judge.

Appellant appeals a portion of a judgment dissolving the parties’ marriage. Appellant and respondent both claim the trial court’s sua sponte award of legal custody of their two children to the Ramsey County Human Services Department (1) exceeded the court’s authority, (2) deprived the parents of due process and equal protection, and (3) was not supported by the evidence. We reverse and remand.

FACTS

This appeal involves a troubled family that has been involved with social service agencies since 1982. The persons affected are Fred Murray, the father and respondent;…