In Re Marriage of Leopando

After the trial court had initially awarded temporary custody of a 4-year-old child to his mother, Francine Leopando (Francine), it awarded permanent custody, after a hearing, to the father, Olivo Leopando (Olivo). Francine appeals. The issue we address is whether the trial court abused its discretion in awarding custody to the father.

The parties were married on December 23, 1973. The minor child, Phillipe, was born October 7, 1976. Francine was appointed temporary custodian of Phillipe on September 20,1979. The parties lived together in the marital home in Lansing, Illinois, with Phillipe,…